Insulin Pump During Exercise

Introduction

Insulin pump therapy, known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy, makes the hormonal and metabolic responses to exercise nearly normal for patients with type 1 DM ( and some individuals with insulin-requiring type 2 DM).

Glucose control for type 1 DM patients is a difficult task with exercise, with a risk of hypoglycemia during the exercise and after it.

Pump use carries many pros for individuals with DM who are physically active. However, it may come with a few disadvantages.

Drawbacks of insulin pump therapy during exercise:

1) Exercise may contribute to the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when there is a disturbance in insulin delivery, which can become fatal in a short period of time.

2) The infusion set may be displaced because of sweating.

3) Ambient temperature, as insulin degrades under extreme conditions of heat or cold.

4) Skin irritation because of the effect of movement at the infusion site.

The therapist should become familiar with the features of

each pump in use by their clients. Knowledge of basic guiding

principles for exercise with DM and general recommendations

for insulin regimen changes is also helpful.

It is the responsibility of the healthcare provider to understand the primary guidelines for exercising with diabetic patients.