What is an Insulin Pump?
An insulin pump is a device worn on the body that delivers insulin continuously, day and night. It replaces the need for multiple daily insulin injections and helps manage blood glucose more steadily.
Learning how insulin pumps work can help you decide whether pump therapy might be right for you.
How do insulin pumps work?
Insulin pumps deliver insulin in precise amounts and allow users to adjust dosing for meals and corrections. This ongoing delivery helps maintain more stable glucose levels between meals and overnight, while also allowing users to give additional insulin when needed. Most insulin pumps use rapid‑acting insulin only, delivering it continuously rather than relying on long‑acting insulin injections.1
Basal and bolus insulin
Understanding insulin pump therapy starts with two key concepts:
- Basal insulin
Basal insulin, often called background insulin, is delivered steadily throughout the day and replaces the need for long-acting insulin injections.2
- Bolus insulin
Bolus insulin is additional insulin delivered to cover carbohydrates eaten at meals or to correct high blood glucose levels. Bolus doses are given manually using the pump or a controller, depending on the system. Many pumps include built‑in bolus calculators to help estimate doses based on personalised settings.2
How insulin pumps deliver insulin
Insulin is delivered under the skin (subcutaneously) through:
- A flexible cannula inserted just beneath the skin, or
- A system where the cannula is housed directly within the pump unit
The cannula or Pod is typically worn on areas such as the abdomen, arm, or thigh and is changed every few days.
Insulin pumps and CGM sensors
Insulin pumps can be used alone or alongside a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM measures glucose levels in real time and shows trends throughout the day and night.
- When worn separately, the CGM provides data and alerts, while the insulin pump continues to deliver insulin based on pre‑set settings.
- In connected systems, (often called hybrid closed loop systems) the pump and CGM communicate directly. The system automatically adjusts basal insulin delivery based on glucose readings, helping support time in range.
What are the components of an insulin pump?
Insulin pump systems are made up of a few key components that work together to deliver insulin throughout the day. While all insulin pumps have the same goal, the components differ slightly depending on whether you are using a tubed insulin pump or tubeless (Pod or patch) pump therapy.
These components work together to deliver insulin safely and consistently.
What are the different types of insulin pumps?
There are two main categories of insulin pumps used in diabetes care today.
Tethered pumps
Also known as tethered pumps, these pumps deliver insulin from a pump worn on clothing or in a pocket. Insulin flows through flexible tubing to an infusion set attached to the body. All controls are typically built into the pump itself.
Tubeless insulin pumps
Also known as patch pumps, these pumps stick directly to the skin with adhesive and deliver insulin without external tubing. The insulin is delivered via a cannula that inserts and remains under the skin. A separate controller wirelessly communicates to the patch pump to administer insulin.
Learn more about Pod Therapy with Omnipod
Benefits of using an insulin pump
Many people choose pump therapy because it can offer:
- More precise insulin dosing in very small increments
- Greater flexibility for meals, sleep schedules, and activity
- Reduced need for multiple daily injections
- Support for glucose management when paired with CGM technology
Who may benefit from an insulin pump
While insulin pumps offer benefits for many people, clinical guidelines help determine who may be eligible for certain technologies.
People who may benefit from using an insulin pump, specifically a hybrid closed loop (HCL) system, include those who meet criteria set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
This includes adults with type 1 diabetes struggling to manage blood sugar levels despite current treatment, all children and young people with type 1 diabetes, and those with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.3
Considerations when opting for an insulin pump
While insulin pumps offer many advantages, they may not be the right choice for everyone. Considerations include:
- Wearing a device on your body all the time
- Getting comfortable adjusting and managing your insulin settings
- Staying on top of regular monitoring and site changes
- Thinking through a plan if your pump stops working unexpectedly
Support and structured education from a diabetes care team are essential for safe and effective pump use.
Pod Therapy with Omnipod
Pod Therapy with Omnipod is a tubeless option designed to simplify insulin delivery without external tubing. The Omnipod systems deliver insulin by a tubeless, discreet, wearable device called a Pod. There is a standalone system (Omnipod DASH) and a hybrid closed loop system (Omnipod 5).
FAQs
How do insulin pumps work?
Who should use an insulin pump?
Are insulin pumps used for type 1 or type 2 diabetes?
What types of insulin pumps are available in the UK?
Continue reading:
Related Articles
Other topics
References and Disclaimers
1. Insulin pumps. Diabetes UK. Published 2025. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/technology/insulin-pumps
2. What is Insulin Pump Therapy? | CVD. CVD. Published 2025. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.myhealthlondon.nhs.uk/resources/internal/what-is-insulin-pump-therapy/
3. NICE. Overview | Hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes | Guidance | NICE. www.nice.org.uk. Published December 19, 2023. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta943
Visit www.omnipod.com/safety for the complete safety information including indications,
contraindications, warnings, cautions, and instructions.