Pediatric Diabetes Technology Program

Today insulin pump therapy is the closest match to the way a body normally delivers insulin. That’s why it’s such a common treatment solution for our patients. Using an insulin pump requires more work, but it results in great control over diabetes and more freedom.

Pumps, about the size of a pager, are worn next to the body. They deliver a continuous stream of insulin throughout the day and night via a thin tube inserted into the body. Using the pump requires checking blood glucose (sugar) more often, but it also means that a patient doesn’t have to do self injections throughout the day.

Joslin offers a specialized program for children who are prescribed insulin therapy. This program helps ensure patients enjoy the best possible outcomes while learning how to use an insulin pump.

Together, a physician, nurse educator, registered dietitian, child development specialist, will offer information about:

• The pump and how it works
• Challenges and opportunities the pump offers
• The patient’s and family’s readiness for the pump
• The appropriate timing for starting the pump

After an initial pump evaluation, our team takes patients and their family members through an individualized, gradual introduction to using the pump.

The first pump appointment starts an “adjustment period,” during which patients get used to wearing the pump with saline and not insulin (the need for insulin injections continues at this point). This usually lasts about a week.

At the second appointment, insulin infusion begins. Finally, we coordinate follow-up appointments to help make sure patients continue to adjust to the therapy.