As a means of coping with diabetes mellitus, there are different insulin therapies that one can go for, and using insulin pumps are just one of these. Insulin injections are the others, but in this context, insulin pumps are discussed, together with their accompanying advantages and disadvantages. Usually, insulin pumps come with a couple of things; a pump which is battery-powered, the insulin contained in a kind of reservoir like a cartridge, and the set that is inserted under the skin. They provide insulin on demand, which is often associated with more freedom when it comes to the dietary choices.

For starters, insulin pumps eliminate the need for insulin shots using an insulin pen or a needle. Those who desired more freedom from taking frequent shots and the trypanophobic would welcome the use of insulin pumps. That's because an insulin pump will only need to be changed every couple of days. You also get relief from any bouts of hyperglycemia as the insulin pumps provide insulin 24 hours each day. This means that as long as your insulin pump is functioning, your blood sugar level is being taken care of.

Insulin pumps can help Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients to manage their insulin administration more easily. In addition, they give more precise amount of insulin, unlike shots which may overestimate or underestimate the needed amounts. Neuropathy, a condition affecting those with treatment resistant diabetes experience much lesser pain when they start to use insulin pumps.

Nevertheless, insulin pumps are not all good news without any disadvantages. It is a more expensive approach of insulin therapy when compare against insulin shots, since there are the costs of the pumps and infusion sets that need to be considered. Since the insulin shots are worn all the time, they are rather limiting when it comes to indulging in some activities, like swimming, or playing an intensive sport. Overtime, it can get rather uneasy to have them around.

Insulin pumps are electronic devices after all and could break down or malfunction. When this happen, you have no choice but use insulin injections till your pump is replaced. Also, should the pump run out of power, and insulin is not administered into your body, the resulting insulin deficiency may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), as the body tries to compensate by using ketones for energy. As a precaution, people who used insulin pumps are required to monitor their glucose level more frequently so as to make sure the pump are functioning. Insulin pumps are not all good and no bad, however for most users, they tend to report more positive than negatives feedback.

The other insulin therapies like the insulin pumps have their pros and cons. Deciding on the type of insulin therapy largely depends on your personal preference. No one method is right or wrong and there are many people who swear by either methods too. At the end of the day, what's most important is that the therapy you are using gives you the desired results.