DIY Guide: How to Make an Insulin Pump Belt at Home

Living with diabetes means that many people need insulin injections multiple times a day. These become quite painful and cause trouble, especially when the patient is outdoors. However, newer inventions, such as insulin pumps, have solved this issue, as they can deliver a pre-set amount of insulin into the body throughout the day. The problem is that these need to be carried around all day, which necessitates the use of an insulin pump belt. If you are wondering how to make an insulin pump belt at home, you are at the right place.

In this article, let us address the question of how to make an insulin pump belt at home that can assist in continuous insulin delivery while keeping them comfortable. In addition, some of the well-known insulin pump belt brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.

What is an Insulin Pump Belt?

An insulin pump belt is an especially designed waistband that is worn over the abdomen to hold the insulin pump in place while it is delivering the necessary amount of insulin to the body. Each belt has at least one pouch or pocket that is used to store the pump while a hole in the fabric allows the passage of the tubing that connects the patch to the skin.

As insulin pumps are needed 24/7, these insulin pump belts can be worn throughout the day and night. These are comfortable enough for the patients and keep them protected from skin irritation and rashes. Common construction materials used for these insulin pump belts are Lycra and nylon, both of which are tough and durable. The product comes in different styles, shapes, and sizes.

How to Make an Insulin Pump Belt at Home?

As insulin pump belts are important for diabetic patients who are on insulin therapy, they are available in several styles and sizes. Different brands manufacture them with varying features that could accommodate the needs of diabetic patients. While learning how to make an insulin pump belt at home, it is important to follow the given steps:

Get Your Materials Ready

The first step in learning how to make an insulin pump belt at home is to prepare the necessary materials. You can use construction material like nylon for the pouch. This is because nylon does not cause skin irritation and is, therefore, safe for diabetic patients. If nylon is not available, a jersey is also a good option.

Once you have the fabric of choice, the next thing is to collect the following items:

• Scissors (to cut the pieces)
• Strong elastic that does not stretch very easily and has a thickness of a minimum of 5 cm
• Fabric pencil (to make markings)
• Your insulin pump (to take its measurements)
• Inches tape or a ruler
• A zipper, Velcro, snap buttons, etc. (optional)

Measure the Insulin Pump Size

The next step in learning how to make an insulin pump belt is to measure the size and dimensions of the pump. You can use a ruler or an inches tape for this purpose. Now, when you have the measurements, note them down. Take the fabric that will serve as the pouch or pocket of your insulin pump belt.

Cut the fabric so that you have two pieces. This will create a wrap around the insulin pump in addition to providing a flap. Keep in mind that the device is a 3-dimensional item. Therefore, add a few inches extra into your measurements to accommodate the thickness of the device.

Hem the Edges of the Pouch

While learning how to make an insulin pump belt, the next step is to stitch the pieces together. To do so, put the pieces of the pouch on top of each other in a way that the wrong sides face towards you. Hem the edges to secure them in place. At this stage, your pouch that will be used to hold the insulin pump is ready.

Remember that you are only hemming the top and bottom sides of the pouch. This is because the right and left side of the pocket still needs to receive the belt.

Measure the Appendage with Elastic

At this stage of learning how to make an insulin pump belt, take a piece of elastic and measure it around your chosen appendage. It can be your waist or your leg/thigh. Take the measurement by putting the piece of elastic around the waist or thigh.

Make sure that it is neither too tight nor too loose. The goal is to achieve a snug fit with the belt when worn. Make sure to always keep a few inches extra (ideally 2 cm) to facilitate stitching. The extra edge can always be trimmed after sewing.

However, it will not be easy to adjust the belt tightness once it has been sewn. So, take your time before you cut the elastic just to be sure of its size around the waist. Mark the measured size using the fabric pencil.

Stitch the Elastic into the Pouch

The next step in learning how to make an insulin pump belt is to turn the case or pouch inside out. Put your insulin pump into the pocket to confirm its dimensions. If the size is correct and does not need adjustments, take out the insulin pump and put the piece of elastic inside the right and left side.

Now, stitch the assembly using a sewing machine. Make sure to go over the stitch at least 3 to 4 times to make it stronger. You can also go for hand stitching if that is more convenient.

In some cases, keep in mind while learning how to make an insulin pump belt that some people might prefer to add Velcro, snap buttons, zippers, or other things to their insulin pump belts. Although these are not necessary, you can add them if you think they can add to the overall comfort of the belt. Ideally, an insulin pump belt should not have anything that could cause irritation to the patient’s skin or make cuts.

Turn it Inside Out

At this stage of learning how to make an insulin pump belt, your insulin pump belt is ready. You just need to turn it inside out and try it on. Now, you can put your insulin pump into the pouch and wear it whenever you want.

Are DIY Insulin Pump Belts Better Than the Commercially Available Ones?

Insulin pump belts are necessary for people who use insulin pumps daily. Despite the fact that these items are commercially available, many people prefer to make one at home. Here are some of the advantages that should be kept in mind while learning how to make an insulin pump belt:

• Homemade insulin pump belts are washable as these are made from washable fabric. Although the commercial ones can also be subjected to washing, these can sometimes lose their shape after frequent washes.
• Homemade insulin pump belts can be tailored exactly according to the patient’s body weight, shape, and personal preferences. For instance, some people prefer colorful patterns on the belt while others do not. Similarly, some people want a tighter fit while others are more comfortable in a looser one.
• While learning how to make an insulin pump belt at home, it is also essential to understand that the construction materials that can be used for these items are many. The patients can select a suitable one to make a belt at home depending upon their level of activity. For example, a water-resistant fabric is a good choice for people who are more active in activities involving water or fabric-like mesh can be selected for those who sweat a lot.
• Homemade insulin pump belts are cost-effective as the fabric and other essentials are inexpensive compared to the products available in the market. However, while learning how to make an insulin pump belt at home, keep in mind that the person should have basic sewing skills.

Insulin Pump Belts at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Insulin pump belts are the items that are used for holding the insulin pump for diabetic patients. These are necessary as the insulin delivery from the pump is timed throughout the day and night. Therefore, choosing a product that is comfortable and also serves its purpose is necessary.

When it comes to learning how to make an insulin pump belt at home, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:

Medi-Belt Insulin Pump Belt, 33″ – 45″, Large, Black

US$27.88

Product Details

Medi-Belt insulin pump belts are one of the finest items used for holding the insulin pump when it comes to commercially available belts. The size of the product is large and has dimensions of 33 to 45 inches. The product is softer on the skin and is long-lasting due to the stronger construction material i.e. Lycra. As Lycra is a synthetic, polyurethane-based product, it also imparts durability to the belts that justifies their cost.

Moreover, these Medi-Belt insulin pump belts can stretch up to 500 times their original size. This way, the size becomes suitable even for overweight patients. Furthermore, these can be worn with workout clothes as well due to their non-wicking nature.

In addition, while learning how to make an insulin pump belt at home, simplicity, and patient comfort are two key factors that should be kept in mind. In this regard, these Medi-Belt insulin pump belts have a simple construction. These are also free from any zippers, clips, Velcro, or ties that could cut or irritate the skin.

Black Medi-Belt Insulin Pump Belt, 22″ – 26″, Small, Black

US$27.88

Product Details

Medi-Belt insulin pump belts are smaller in size as the diameter falls within the ranges of 22 to 26 inches. The construction material is Lycra which is known for its durability, breathability, high strength, as well as elasticity. It has been claimed that the product can be expanded up to 500 times the original size.

Furthermore, these Medi-Belt insulin pump belts are also adjustable and provide a snug fit when worn under the clothes. This feature can also be kept in mind while learning how to make an insulin pump belt at home. Moreover, the product also comes with 3 to 6 pockets that can be used to keep additional stuff such as test strips, glucose meters, etc.

*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

The products mentioned in this article while learning how to make an insulin pump belt at home, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of insulin pump belts for kids as well as adults.

Conclusion

Continuous insulin delivery is a requirement for many diabetic patients to keep their disease under control. Conventionally, this was done by taking insulin injections multiple times a day. However, the use of insulin pumps has eased the job as they transfer a pre-set amount of insulin into the body at a specified time.

To hold these insulin pumps, insulin pump belts have been introduced. Although they are commercially available , people often prefer to make an insulin pump belt at home. When it comes to learning how to make an insulin pump belt at home, the step-by-step procedure has been given in the article for the patient’s ease.

Considering their extensive use, insulin pump belts are one of the must-have items for diabetic patients who use insulin pumps. For purchasing different types of insulin pump belts for kids as well as adults, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.