Medtronic Insulin Pump Infusion Sets Explained
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 38 million people in the US are living with diabetes. In many of them, insulin administration on a daily basis is needed to compensate for its lower levels in the body, leading to an inefficient cellular uptake of glucose. This way, the risk of heart and kidney diseases and vision loss, among others, can be mitigated. In this regard, the use of Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets has been proven to be an effective solution to the problem.
Insulin pumps ensure the provision of a continuous insulin dose throughout the day
In this article, we will go through the Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets and find out their suitability for certain patients. In addition, some of the well-known insulin pump brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.
What is an Insulin Pump?
An insulin pump is small-sized, wearable device that is designed to deliver insulin to diabetic patients throughout the day in a continuous manner. The device mimics the natural function of a healthy pancreas to effectively manage blood sugar levels. This way, the need for taking multiple injections before every meal is eliminated, leading to improved patient compliance.
Medtronic Insulin Pump Infusion Sets: An Introduction
Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets are considered one of the essential products for the management of insulin-dependent diabetes. These come in 5 different types, each of which has its own uses, and benefits and have been designed to suit individual needs based on different body types and lifestyle choices.
How Do the Medtronic Insulin Pump Infusion Pumps Work?
In general, the infusion pumps come in two forms. They can either deliver small doses of rapid-acting insulin in a continuous manner over a period of 24 hours, or a larger or bolus dose can be administered before every meal. In this regard, the Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets have a reservoir that holds the insulin.
A pump unit is a computerized device that is worn on the clothes and is connected to the body through a thin plastic tube. Its job is to signal the release of insulin either continuously or at specified time intervals. Finally, a small and flexible, plastic or steel-based cannula is inserted under the skin that delivers the dose of insulin into the blood stream.
Medtronic Insulin Pump Infusion Sets: Features and Specifications
Among different insulin infusion pumps available in the market, the Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets are considered one of the best products, owing to their features. Let us dive deeper into them with special focus on the Medtronic insulin pump Silhouette infusion sets:
Flexibility
For an insulin delivery system, it is important that the product is flexible so that it can deliver the precise amount of insulin to the patient without making them uncomfortable. The Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets come with a cannula that is flexible, as it is constructed using a soft plastic. This way, the product does not cause irritation when worn for multiple days.
Discreet Design
Most diabetic patients want to enjoy privacy by keeping their insulin infusion pumps hidden under their clothes. In this regard, the small, discreet, and low-profile design of the Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets does not make them prominent. In addition, the device also allows disconnection at the site of insertion.
Cannula Length
A longer cannula ensures that a person receives a proper insulin dose as the device can reach deeper into the subcutaneous tissue. These longer cannulas also prevent insulin leakages and muscle pokes. Keeping this in view, the cannulas of the Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets come in two forms, i.e., 13 mm or 17 mm.
Longer Tubing Length
Insulin infusion pumps with longer tubing lengths ensure that the user remains comfortable while wearing the device. This longer tubing also helps keep the product secure in place. Moreover, if the individual wants to wear the infusion pump at different locations, such as on a belt, in a pocket, etc., the longer tubing gives enough room to do so. Therefore, a suitable tubing can be chosen with these Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets from 4 of the available options that include 18 inches, 23 inches, 32 inches, and 43 inches based on the patient’s preference.
Optimal Insertion Angle
An optimal insertion angle for the cannula ensures that the device securely reaches the subcutaneous fat layer while avoiding the muscle tissue below it. This is because a shorter cannula interrupts the flow, while a longer one can cause an injury.
Moreover, proper placement of the cannula also prolongs site longevity. Therefore, the Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets have been designed to have a variable angle from 20 to 45° to adjust the depth of the insertion.
Manual and Automatic Insertion Options
For the insertion of the cannula under the skin, a Sil-serter insertion device also comes with the system. This feature allows a quick and controlled insertion to ensure an optimal absorption of insulin, while keeping the process pain-free.
In this regard, this Sil-serter insertion device has a spring-activated mechanism that works by pressing a button. As soon as it is done, the cannula is placed under the skin, even at hard-to-reach insertion sites. In addition, manual insertion is also available.
At-Site Disconnection
While being outdoors or conducting a highly strenuous activity, devices like insulin infusion pumps sometimes hinder the individual’s performance. Therefore, people prefer devices that can be easily disconnected to reduce the risk of accidental pull-outs and site traumas. Keeping this in view, the Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets contain a transparent tubing that can be conveniently disconnected at-site.
While using the Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets, keep in mind that, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations, the Silhouette tubing and cannula of the system need to be changed every 48 to 72 hours.
Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets are also suitable for use among children
Is the Medtronic Silhouette Infusion Set Right for Me?
The Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets are considered ideal for individuals who are lean or have an active lifestyle. This includes children who are very active and enjoy sports or outdoor activities, as well as adults who are always on the go. In addition, the system also works best for pregnant women, primarily due to the flexibility of insertion angle. Let’s look into it in detail:
Lean Body Type
Problem 1
Individuals with a lean body type often face issues when it comes to using an infusion pump. This is because most infusion pumps require an adequate subcutaneous (fatty) tissue for the placement of the cannula. Therefore, if the cannula is attached to an area that does not have sufficient fat, the insulin absorption becomes irregular, leading to an increased risk of hypoglycemia.
Problem 2
In addition, there is also a risk of bending of the cannula, as these are plastic-based products that are flexible. In the absence of the fatty tissue to provide it the necessary cushioning, the cannula can bend, especially when the individual moves around. This way, issues like site failure, hypoglycemia, or leakages become common.
Problem 3
Furthermore, the patients often complain about pain when the cannula is placed near the bony areas. Lesser fat also tends to irritate the area around the cannula, along with putting pressure on it. As a result, the patient cannot wear the device for longer and needs frequent placement.
Solution
As a solution to these issues, the Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets have been designed, which can be inserted at a depth of 20 to 45°. This altogether leads to the elimination of the need of a fatty layer for the pump placement and, therefore, increase the suitability of the device for thinner individuals.
Using insulin infusion pumps eliminates the need for frequent injections
People with an Active Lifestyle
Problem 1
Individuals who have an active lifestyle often face difficulty, primarily in terms of device security. This is because movement can lead to snagging of the tubing attached to an infusion pump. Resultantly, the infusion set gets dislodged, causing discomfort to the patient.
Although applying an adhesive medical tape is recommended to keep the pump in place, replacing it with more discreet and comfortable options, like Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets, is the easy way out.
Problem 2
In addition, people who exercise a lot often have fluctuating blood glucose levels (BGL). Here, hypoglycemia becomes the primary concern as exercise increases the insulin sensitivity in the body, leading to better cellular absorption of glucose. In such cases, adjusting the dose of the administered insulin becomes necessary to avoid the risk of low BGL.
Solution
In such cases, the Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets are ideal as they are discreet and sleek, a feature that does not make them bulky. In addition, there is an option of at-site tubing disconnection that allows the user to detach the tubing at the site of insertion during activities, like showering, swimming, or sports. This way, individuals become comfortable without needing to remove the entire set.
Children and Pregnant Women
As the Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets are adjustable, they can be easily worn by children as well as pregnant women despite their changing body shapes.
Need for Site Flexibility
In addition to the above-mentioned benefits that can be achieved by the Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets, these systems are also ideal when there is a need to select different sites for insertion. In this regard, the device can be placed in the following areas:
- Back of the upper arm
- Abdomen
- Upper buttock
- Hips
- Outer thigh
- Lower back
It is also possible to change the site after 2 to 3 days of usage, as setting the infusion at the same place for more than a few days can lead to hardening of the tissue. As a result, the absorption of the insulin becomes poor and unpredictable.
Proper management of diabetes helps patients to live a normal and healthy life
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Pairing Infusion Sets with Continuous Glucose Monitoring
While insulin infusion sets like the Medtronic Silhouette ensure accurate delivery of insulin, effective diabetes management also requires continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels. This is where the MiniMed Guardian™ 3 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Sensor comes in. Designed to work seamlessly with the Medtronic 670G insulin pump, the Guardian 3 sensor provides real-time glucose readings every five minutes, helping patients make informed decisions about insulin dosing and lifestyle activities.
Key Features of the Guardian™ 3 Sensor
- Continuous Monitoring: Tracks glucose trends throughout the day and night, reducing reliance on fingerstick tests.
- Six-Day Wear Time: Offers convenience and fewer sensor changes, making it suitable for busy or active individuals.
- Integration with Insulin Pumps: When paired with the 670G system, the sensor enables automated insulin adjustments to help prevent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
- Alerts and Notifications: Provides early warnings for rising or falling glucose levels, allowing patients to act before complications occur.
Why It Complements Infusion Sets
The Guardian 3 sensor enhances the benefits of infusion sets by closing the loop between insulin delivery and glucose monitoring. For lean individuals, active patients, children, and pregnant women—groups already highlighted as ideal candidates for Silhouette infusion sets—the Guardian 3 adds an extra layer of safety and confidence. Together, these devices create a more complete system for managing diabetes effectively.
Conclusion
Diabetes is one of the chronic medical conditions, which affect an individual’s lifestyle choices as well as day-to-day activities. This is primarily because the fluctuating blood glucose levels often lead to hypoglycemia that needs proper management. In this regard, the diabetic patients require proper administration of insulin, either throughout the day or before every meal.
In this regard, the Silhouette Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets are the best choice, especially for people who are lean or have an active lifestyle. This is important because most infusion sets require fatty tissue to stay in place, which is not the case for the Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets. In addition, these tend to stay in place and can also be disconnected during activities, like swimming, etc. Furthermore, children and pregnant women can also benefit from the device.
For purchasing different kinds of medical devices, including Medtronic insulin pump infusion sets, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
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