Insulin Pump Requirements

If you or your family member is thinking about using an insulin pump, it is helpful to know what is required first. This handout includes a list for you to review and discuss with your health care team.

A pump can help people to better manage blood sugar levels, but success will depend on a number of things. The list to the right will help you realize the effort required in order to use a pump safely.

You will need to work with your health care team and insurance company to help decide if you are ready for a pump. Your health insurance company may have other rules for using a pump.

Please talk with your diabetes care team if you have any questions.

Questions and Notes

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Requirements Before a Pump Is Prescribed

• Must be under the care of a provider specializing in diabetes.

• Must have had diabetes for at least 6 months.

• Injecting insulin at least 3 times per day.

• Monitoring blood sugars with a meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

• Motivated to improve blood sugars.

• Attend clinic visits regularly.

• Willing to communicate with diabetes staff between clinic visits.

• Meet with dietitian diabetes educator to review carb counting and use an insulin carb ratio.

• Meet with a nurse diabetes educator to discuss insulin pumps/pump therapy (understand basic pump function: what they can and cannot do).

• Medicare only: Medicare may require proof that you do not make enough insulin to manage your blood sugars. This means you will need lab work done, including a fasting glucose and C-peptide.