ABSTRACT
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (CSIIs), more commonly known as "insulin pumps," were first developed as a research tool in the late 1970s. Insulin pumps use a battery driven motor to continuously deliver insulin through a subcutaneous port. ICSII is the therapy of choice for a growing number of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) because of the flexibility and precision that it offers over multiple daily injections. CSII therapy is not right for all patients with T1DM. In order to benefit from pump therapy, patients need to be engaged with a team of diabetes educators, be willing to do frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose, count carbohydrates adequately, and be comfortable with the physical aspects of insertion sites, tubing, and wearing a pump. It is important to provide women with T1DM anticipatory guidance at the start of pregnancy. Postpartum, it is recommended that doses of both basal and bolus insulin be reduced by one- to two-thirds of the prepregnancy settings.
