Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition
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Type 1 diabetes – consultation on sensor-assisted insulin pumps
Around 20 percent of people with type 1 diabetes in Switzerland already use an insulin pump. It replaces daily injections and optimally adapts insulin delivery to individual requirements. In combination with a sensor for continuous blood glucose monitoring, the pump supports a stable setting, reduces hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and makes everyday life noticeably easier. This gives those affected more flexibility when eating, working or exercising.
Modern treatment options: The insulin pump
A pump is used especially in cases of significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels—when hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia occurs. When connected to a continuous blood glucose monitoring system, it delivers the right amount of insulin at exactly the right time.
There are models with an integrated continuous blood glucose monitoring system that can determine the amount of insulin to be administered in a fasting state and regulate it automatically. Diabetics only need to estimate the carbohydrate content of their meals and the pump calculates the required amount of insulin. With these aids, many diabetics can live almost without restrictions..
Advantages of the sensor-supported insulin pump
A sensor-assisted insulin pump makes everyday life easier for people with type 1 diabetes and improves their quality of life. It makes it possible to eat and plan flexibly without having to sit down and inject. The pump reacts automatically to changes such as meals or exercise, especially during everyday school or work life, during sporting activity or during pregnancy. Studies show that it reduces nocturnal hypoglycemia, reduces the dawn phenomenon and leads to better HbA1c values.
Various pumps and sensors are available at the USZ, which can be individually adapted. Modern devices automatically adjust insulin delivery, deliver correction boluses and stop delivery when blood glucose is too low, ensuring safety and stability. The technologies are based on decades of research into the artificial pancreas and are constantly being developed further.
Who is the insulin pump suitable for?
The combination of an insulin pump and continuous blood glucose monitoring (sensor-assisted insulin pump) is useful for people who suffer from frequent hypoglycemia or prefer a more stable blood glucose setting. Even the spontaneous decision to eat or exercise is guaranteed with the sensor-supported insulin pump.
Prof. Roger Lehmann on type 1 diabetes
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Sensor-assisted insulin pump – consultation at the USZ
At the USZ you benefit from a comprehensive, non-binding consultation on the sensor-supported insulin pump. Our experienced diabetologists will support you on the basis of internationally recognized research and many years of expertise. We will show you which pump models and blood glucose monitoring systems are suitable for your individual needs and give you practical tips on how to wear the devices discreetly. At the USZ, there are numerous pump solutions to choose from, which we can tailor to your life situation. We pursue a holistic approach: In addition to medical care, you will receive support from our specialist staff on nutritional issues.
You do not need to make any special preparations for your consultation appointment. If you have any burning questions or problems, you are welcome to bring them with you – everything else will be clarified during the consultation. The consultation is fully covered by your health insurance and therefore costs you nothing (only applies to Swiss citizens).
Our aim is to make everyday life with type 1 diabetes easier for you and to improve your quality of life in the long term. The Diabetes Center is centrally located in Zurich and is easily accessible by public transport as well as by car.
Frequently asked questions about diabetes advice
There are syringes, pens and insulin pumps for administering insulin. Very few people still use injections these days. Insulin pens are a common method that work very similarly to syringes, but are easier to use. The newest, safest and simplest method is insulin administration with the pump. There are many different insulin pumps – and more are being developed all the time. Information on the advantages and disadvantages of each method can be found on this page or in the non-binding diabetes consultation.
There is no general answer to this question. This depends very much on your personality, preferences, hobbies and habits. During the diabetes consultation, we will find the best method for you together.
During the consultation, we will find out together which insulin pump system is most suitable. It is also possible to try out a method for a while and see if it suits you. If it does not fit, you can always go back to the original method.
In the past, you had to program the pumps yourself and a lot of knowledge was required. Experience with intensified insulin therapy, regular self-measurement of blood glucose and independent dose adjustment were also necessary. However, this is no longer absolutely necessary with the latest devices.
You must be referred by your doctor for a diabetes consultation. We will be happy to support you. Use the pre-formulated message and contact your doctor.
