An insulin pump allows the replacement of slow-acting insulin
for basal needs with a continuous infusion of rapid-acting insulin.
By using an insulin pump, a patient can typically match the dosage
of insulin to lifestyle and activities, rather than adjusting those
to the body’s response to insulin injections. The advantages
of using an insulin pump include the fact that an insulin pump
replaces the need for periodic injections by delivering
rapid-acting insulin continuously throughout the day via a
catheter. It greatly simplifies the management of diabetes.
There are two basic types of insulin pumps, one is an external
device and the other is implanted. Both types currently pose
hazards to patients referred for MRI procedures. For an external
insulin pump, it may simply need to be removed and kept out of the
MR environment to ensure there is no adverse impact on the
device’s functionality.
