Insulin Infusers.

These are also called Subcutaneous Infusion Sets or Button Infusers.

These are not used very often. Their place in the chain of insulin devices is for people on a multi-injection regime that would prefer only a single insertion in a 2-3 day period rather than 8-12 normal injections.

They consist of a small tube (catheter) that is inserted into the subcutaneous tissue, usually of the abdomen, and taped in place for the 2-3 day period. The insulin is then injected into the infuser using a normal insulin syringe or pen and is gradually absorbed by the fatty tissue.

A button infuser uses a needle in place of a tube. The needle has a rubber stopper on the end, similar to that found on normal insulin vials. You draw up your insulin dose in a normal insulin syringe and then insert it's needle through the rubber stopper to deliver the insulin. This can be done as many times a day as insulin injections are required. The needle of the infuser needs to be changed weekly.

The advantage is obvious - less needle 'sticks' per day.

However there are disadvantages too. Any device that is invasive and in place for a period of time leaves you open to infection, so thorough attention must be paid to sterility and general cleanliness.

There is also the inconvenience of having this tube or needle in your body which can make some activates, not to mention bathing, and sleeping in certain positions, difficult and uncomfortable.

Unless you are the brave and able sort you will need to visit your health practitioner every few days to get the tube removed and replaced.

Cost -
Some insurance companies do cover these if you can supply a medical document stating a medical need for this in addition to the normal syringe.

I can find so little information about these devices that I have to conclude - and remember this is a personal assessment - that they are few and far between and possibly have gone out of use with the introduction of the insulin pumps.

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