What is an insulin pump?
An insulin pump is a small electronic device that gives your body insulin all day and night through a tiny tube called a cannula that sits just under the skin. The pump uses only fast‑acting insulin. It gives a steady amount of insulin over 24 hours (your basal rate). When you eat, you press a button on the pump to give a bolus of insulin to cover the carbohydrates in your meals or snacks.
Using an insulin pump can give you more flexibility and help match your insulin to your daily routine.
What is a hybrid closed loop insulin pump?
A hybrid closed loop insulin pump can adjust your insulin automatically based on your blood glucose levels.
It works by joining together:
- a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
- an insulin pump
- a computer program that helps decide how much insulin you need
The CGM measures your glucose levels all the time. The pump gives the insulin. The computer program uses your glucose readings to decide how much insulin to give to keep your glucose in your target range. It considers food, exercise, and your body’s insulin sensitivity however you still need to tell the pump information about many carbohydrates you eat and when you exercise so that the system can adjust the insulin for you.
Benefits of a hybrid closed loop system
- More stable glucose levels – It helps keep your levels in range more often.
- Fewer hypos – Because the system reduces insulin when your glucose is dropping.
- Less stress – The system makes many small adjustments for you, so you don’t have to do all the calculations.
- Better sleep – It can help manage glucose levels overnight, reducing night‑time highs and lows.
- More confidence to be active – The system reacts to changes caused by exercise.
- Improved quality of life – Many people find life with diabetes feels a little easier.
Hybrid closed loop pumps are very helpful tools for managing diabetes, but they are not a cure. You still need to keep an eye on your glucose levels and update the pump when needed.
You can find out more information about hybrid closed loop pumps here
NHS Forth Valley offers four different insulin pump systems detailed in the table below.
| Ypsomed YpsoPump | Tandem t:slim | MiniMed 780G | Omnipod | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ypsomed | Tandem Diabetes Care | Medtronic | Insulet |
| Control algorithm | CamAPS | Control‑IQ | SmartGuard | SmartAdjust |
| Sensor type | Libre 3 Plus / Dexcom G6 | Dexcom G7 | Guardian 4 / Simplera Sync | Libre 2 Plus / Dexcom G7 |
| Pump type | Tethered (tubed) | Tethered (tubed) | Tethered (tubed) | Patch (tubeless) |
| Compatible devices | Phone required – check website for most up to date information | No phone required. Phone app available to view glucose, insulin doses and deliver boluses | No phone required. App available on phones and smart watches to view glucose and pump data | No phone required. Omnipod control device used |
| Reservoir capacity | 160 units | 300 units | 300 units | 200 units |
| Battery | AAA batteries | Rechargeable lithium‑ion | AA batteries | Rechargeable |
| Warranty | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years | No warranty |
| Licensed for use in pregnancy | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Minimed 780G
- MiniMed™ 780G system | Medtronic Diabetes
- Welcome to MiniMed
- MiniMed™ 780G Testimonials – Ahmed on his sleep
- MiniMed™ 780G Testimonials – Ruby on meals
- Expert Opinions: Medtronic Minimed 780g System | The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists
Ypsomed CamAPS
- Home – mylife Diabetescare – United Kingdom
- mylife Loop Overview – mylife Academy
- Expert Opinions: mylife YpsoPump | The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists
- Please note the CamAPS FX app is now available for use with iOS phones.
Tandem T:Slim
- Insulin Pumps and Diabetes Management | Tandem Diabetes Care
- You can do that with the t:slim X2 insulin pump
- Expert Opinions: Tandem T-Slim Pump | The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists
Omnipod 5
Insulin pump criteria
To be considered for an insulin pump in NHS Forth Valley, you must:
- Have Type 1 Diabetes. Insulin pumps are not for people with Type 2 Diabetes.
- Take insulin using several injections each day (basal bolus or multiple daily injections – MDI).
- Go to your clinic appointments regularly.
- Keep a close eye on your glucose levels and be happy to share your data with your diabetes team.
- Knowing about carbohydrate counting can help you get more out of your pump, but it’s not essential.
What is involved in starting on an insulin pump
When you start using an insulin pump, you will need to learn how it works and how to use it day to day. To do this, you will need to attend teaching sessions.
Online training
Most people complete their training online through the National Diabetes Closed Loop System (CLS) Onboarding Programme. This programme teaches you step by step how to:
- Set up your insulin pump
- Understand how the system works
- Manage your pump day to day
Many people find this online training easy to follow and helpful. The sessions are held in small groups, with appointments over 4 to 6 weeks.
To take part in online training, you will need:
- Basic computer skills
- Access to a laptop, PC, iPad
- A camera for online sessions
Face-to-face training
Some people cannot attend online sessions. If this applies to you, please speak to the diabetes team to discuss face-to-face training.
Important information
Whether you attend online training or face to face, it is very important to attend all appointments. This will help make sure you learn everything you need to use your insulin pump safely and with confidence.
Process for moving forward with an insulin pump
If you need help with carbohydrate counting before starting insulin pump therapy, please contact the diabetes dietitians. An appointment will be arranged for you.
Email: fv.fvdiabetesdietitians@nhs.scot
Phone: 01324 566626