Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
An insulin pump delivers rapid-acting insulin (lispro, aspart, or glulisine) as a continuous subcutaneous infusion through a small catheter inserted into the abdominal subcutaneous tissue and secured with an adhesive patch. The pump mimics physiologic insulin secretion by providing a continuous basal rate and patient-initiated bolus doses before meals. Because only rapid-acting insulin is used, any pump malfunction causes rapid hyperglycemia and potential diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) within hours. The nurse monitors blood glucose levels, assists with pump site assessment, and reports abnormalities to the RN.