Pump Training Goals and Objectives

Educating Insulin Pump Users on Self-Management

Pre-pump and ongoing self-management education in the use of a pump should include correction of any misconceptions the person with diabetes (PWD) may have regarding insulin pump therapy. The diabetes care and education specialist must conduct an assessment of the individual’s knowledge of diabetes, knowledge deficits and preferred learning style to develop an individualized education plan. The individual’s age or education level should not be considered a deciding factor in their ability to utilize pump therapy.

At a minimum, the prospective pump user should have knowledge of the physiology of diabetes and an understanding of the relationship between insulin and food, stress, exercise and other factors that affect blood glucose. The foundation for advanced self-management with use of an insulin pump is best served with a thorough knowledge of diabetes management skills, including the ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve, recognize and respond to glucose patterns, and demonstrate appropriate self-care behaviors.⁹

Pump Education Objectives Include:

• Establishment of goals
• Competence in carbohydrate counting
• Full understanding of insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios
• Full understanding of correction (sensitivity) factors

And the ability to:

• Manage hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
• Properly fill and insert cartridge/reservoir and insert and change infusion sets
• Detect infusion set and site issues
• Manage sick days, exercise and travel
• Obtain supplies
• Troubleshoot and solve problems that may arise in use of their pump
• Recognize the need for a back-up insulin regimen and how to safely switch back to injections
• Determine how and where to wear the pump
• Determine when and how to disconnect the pump

Pre-pump education varies widely based on the incoming knowledge of the person with diabetes and or caregiver. Some individuals complete two to three one-hour sessions with a verbal exchange of information. Others need a structured learning environment that is spread over an extended period of time with practical or written evaluations to gauge their level of comprehension. A group class covering pump education can be a time effective means for provisions of education. Reminder: The educational plan for children should include their parents and caregivers.^9,10

References:

^{American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. ADCES Insulin Pump Therapy Guidelines, ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Insulin Pump Therapy. Endocrine Society. Management of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). Clinical Research on Insulin Pumps & Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Systems: Beck RW, Riddlesworth T, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Using Insulin Injections: The DIAMOND Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 2017.}