A device that delivers a continuous supply of short-acting insulin into the body. The insulin flows from the pump through a plastic tube (called a catheter) that is connected to a needle inserted into the skin and taped in place.Insulin is delivered at different rates, which can be either manually set or preprogrammed: a low, steady rate (called the basal rate) for continuous day-long coverage, and extra boosts of insulin (called bolus doses) to cover meals or when extra insulin is needed. Both the basal and bolus rates are adjustable by the user, in response to blood sugar tests done with standard methods; no available pump can measure the sugar level and calculate what changes to make in the insulin doses.The pump runs on batteries and can be worn clipped to a belt or carried in a pocket. It is usually used by people with insulin-dependent diabetes, although it is occasionally recommended for people with other forms of diabetes.See also: Insulin Pumps, Diabetes Team Questions about Insulin Pumps

This definition is in context to Diabetes. See more contextual defintions for Insulin Pump.