What is a basal rate?

This is the amount of insulin delivered per hour that is required to cover your basal, meal-independent insulin needs. In insulin pump therapy, your basal rate is determined together with your doctor or healthcare team and can be adjusted to meet your...

If I use an insulin pump will I automatically have good control of my blood glucose level?

Good, or tight, control requires a balanced approach. Insulin pumps can certainly help you control your blood glucose level, but eating properly, monitoring your blood glucose and regular activity are equally important. The insulin pump doesn't take...

How safe are insulin pumps?

Insulin pumps are proven to be safe. They have been used by hundreds of thousands of people around the world for years. Today's technology has only served to make them even better. For example, the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump performs over 9...

How much do supplies cost?

Costs vary depending on your insurance coverage.

How long have insulin pumps been available?

Insulin pumps have been available for decades. Today's insulin pumps, however, are much more advanced than early models. Modern pumps use the latest microprocessor technology to regulate insulin delivery and provide safety checks. For example, the...

How long does it take to get started on an insulin pump?

There are three things that determine how long it takes: ...

How do I get in touch with other insulin pump users?

There are several ways to find other insulin pump users. Ask your healthcare team about pump groups or pumpers you can talk to about their experiences. The Internet is also a valuable resource for contacting pump users. 

Does it hurt to wear an infusion set?

While you may feel a small pinch when inserting the set, many people find infusion set insertion more comfortable than giving injections. Once the set is under the skin, it is so comfortable that many people forget they're wearing it.

Does an insulin pump work better than injections?

An insulin pump can be superior to daily injections for many reasons—the greatest being that its use provides for a much greater ability to manage and control diabetes. The insulin pump provides a continuous flow of insulin, which minimizes unwanted...

Do you still use a needle with the infusion set and if so, how is it worn?

An insulin pump is attached to you with an infusion set. Depending on the design, an infusion set may have a steel or soft cannula. In case you use a soft infusion set, the cannula is inserted with an introducer needle that is removed immediately...

Do I have to have surgery?

No. Insulin pumps are worn outside the body. They do not require any surgery or invasive procedures and can be disconnected as needed.

Besides a pump and insulin, what other supplies does insulin pump therapy require?

You'll need infusion sets (the tubing and connectors to attach the pump to your body), cartridges for the insulin, adapters (which connect the cartridge to the infusion set), batteries, battery covers and blood glucose monitoring supplies.

What if my Accu-Chek Aviva/Performa Combo meter gets lost, stolen or broken?

The meter warranty provides against defects in materials and workmanship varies base on the country it was purchase in. If your meter malfunctions due to negligence, or if it is lost or stolen, you will have the opportunity to purchase a new meter.

What happens if I forget my Accu-Chek Aviva/Performa Combo meter at home?

The Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump is fully functional without the meter and can be operated manually.

What blood glucose meters can be paired with the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump?

You can only pair the Accu-Chek Aviva/Performa Combo meter with your Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump.