Insulin pumps are usually only recommended for type 1 diabetes. They are small electronic devices that deliver insulin continuously day and night through a small tube called a cannula that sits just under your skin (replaced every few days).

The small pump (containing a reservoir of insulin) is usually worn on a belt or in a pocket. It delivers a constant background insulin rate, which is known as basal insulin throughout the day. It can also be instructed to deliver rapid or quick-acting insulin, called bolus insulin when you eat.

If you’d like to know more about insulin pump therapy and whether it’s right for you, then try taking our Considering an Insulin Pump? online course. If you’re starting insulin pump treatment our My Insulin Pump online course will help you learn how to use it.

Hybrid Closed Loops (HCL): Mini Module

This mini-module gives an introduction to hybrid closed loop technology and covers what it is, the pros and cons and what you need to consider when choosing a hybrid closed loop system.

High Ketone Management Flowchart for Hybrid Closed Loop Users

Flowchart for managing large (high) ketones when using a hybrid closed loop.

Low Ketone Management Flowchart for Hybrid Close Loop Users

Flowchart for managing trace (low) ketones when using a hybrid closed loop.

Insulin types

A brief guide to the types of insulin and how long each type of insulin lasts over a 24-hour period.

Insulin Pumps

An insulin pump is a small electronic device that gives your body the regular insulin it needs throughout the day and night. In this video, healthcare professionals explain what it is and how it works, and people with type 1 diabetes discuss their own experiences with insulin pump therapy.

Insulin Pump Sick Day Rules

Sick day rules flowchart for insulin pump therapy users.

Insulin profiles

A brief guide to te types of insulin and how long each type of insulin lasts of a 24-hour period.

Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) Systems

A brief guide to hybrid closed loop systems, their benefits and disadvantages.

Hybrid Closed Loop Sick Day Flowchart

The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) sick day flowchart for users of hybrid closed loop.

My Insulin Pump: The Online Education Course

This course, My Insulin Pump is aimed at people who are starting out with an insulin pump, or a refresher for those that are already established on insulin pump therapy.

Patient experience - considering an insulin pump

Mary Robertson talks with Jane Mitchell about things to think about when considering an insulin pump.

Patient experience - insulin pumps and pregnancy

Mary Robertson talks with Jane Mitchell about her experiences with type 1 diabetes and her decision to use an insulin pump. Jane was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age three, and has now been using an insulin pump for six years, having decided to start using one before becoming pregnant with her second child.

Patient experience - using an insulin pump

Mary Robertson talks with Jane Mitchell about her experiences and the practicalities of getting and using an insulin pump.

Patient experience - who is an insulin pump right for?

Mary Robertson and Debbie Voight discuss factors which may affect a patient's suitability for an insulin pump.

Sick day Guidance for Insulin Pump Users

This resource provides guidance for managing illness when using an insulin pump.

Travelling with Your Pump

This resource will provide information on the best ways to travel with an insulin pump.

What is Insulin Pump Therapy?

Helpful information for people who use an insulin pump.