What problems may affect my blood glucose while using an insulin pump?

Here are some possible factors to consider:

• The insulin: Is it expired? Has it been exposed to extreme heat or cold? Does it look clumped or filled with particles? Is the vial nearly empty? Have you used it for more than 1 month?

• The insertion site: Have you placed the needle in or near a scar or mole? Near your beltline or other area where there’s friction from clothing? Does the site hurt? Is it red or swollen?

• The infusion set: Did the needle come out? Is insulin leaking around the infusion site? Is there blood or air in the infusion line? Is there a kink in the line? Did the line come loose from the pump? Has the infusion set been in place for more than 2 days? Think about changing the infusion line.

• The insulin pump: Is the basal rate set correctly? Has the battery run down? Was the cartridge of insulin placed correctly? Is it empty? Was the pump primed with insulin when a fresh cartridge was put in? Is the pump working correctly?