Consumer Guide to Diabetes Products

Pumps and pump consumables

Managing diabetes with an insulin pump, rather than multiple daily injections, is a major decision that cannot be taken without expert advice from your health professionals.

This brief overview does not pretend to offer advice one whether a pump would suit you, or which pump would be right for you.

It provides a brief description of what a pump is and suggests some things to discuss with your healthcare professional.

Four brands of pump (six models) are currently marketed and supported in New Zealand.

They all weigh around 100 grams and are about the same size, smaller but a little thicker, than an iPod!

They are worn externally either on a belt clip or some other form of soft or hard holster.

Insulin is delivered through fine plastic tubing (an infusion set) which in turn is connected to a fine cannula (or plastic needle) that is secured under your skin The cannula must be changed every 2 - 3 days.

They do not take standard 3 ml vials of insulin. A rechargeable reservoir is filled from a 3 or 10 ml vial.

Depending on personal insulin use and lifestyle (and the fact that insulin deteriorates at "body temperature") the reservoir will require refilling every two to three days. Like insulin syringes and pen needles insulin reservoirs are labelled as "single use". Many users however obtain three or four refills before replacement.

Pumps are battery powered and can be programmed to deliver a stream of rapid acting insulin in frequent tiny doses throughout the day and night. Additional “Bolus” doses can be delivered at meal times.

Pumps are generally waterproof and are rated from “2.5 meters for 1 hour” (Accu-Chek Spirit) to “3.5 meters for 24 hours” (Animas IR 1200). The Paradigm pumps are rated as “Water resistant” providing protection against splashes or a temporary submergence in water.

Insulin pumps typically cost $5 - $8,000 and are not a subsidised item on PHARMAC’s schedule.

Consumable items, (Canulas, infusion sets, batteries, cartridge refilling devices) typically amount to around $2 - $2,500 annually and are also not subsidised. However some DHBs have taken individual decisions to fund pumps and contribute to the cost of consumables.

Companies supplying pumps in New Zealand provide varying amounts of training and support for new users. Ongoing support differs from region to region and is generally provided either through local support groups or through the DHB or PHO. Depending on the individual DHB there may be charges for the training programme needed to give you confidence to use the pump properly.

Pumps are purchased directly from the importer (NZ Medical and Scientific, Medica Pacifica, Roche Diagnostics or Smiths Medical), but you will require medical support before you can purchase. Pumps are covered by normal New Zealand legislation as to guarantees. Typically however the companies will provide a three to four year guarantee with a swap system available should the original pump need to be recovered for repairs.

Importer/ Marketer	Pump Model name	Size weight	Water resistance	Insulin reservoir	Batteries
NZ Medical & Scientific	Animas IR 1000		3.5 metres for 24 hours	3ml refillable cartridge	Button type
NZ Medical & Scientific	Animas IR 1200	76 x 51 x 19mm	3.5 metres for 24 hours	3ml refillable cartridge	1 AA lithium battery
Medica Pacifica	Medtronic Minimed Paradigm 512	76 x 51 x 20mm 106.5g	Protection against splashes or temporary submergence	1.76ml refillable cartridge	1 AAA alkaline battery
Medica Pacifica	Medtronic Minimed Paradigm 712	91 x 51 x 20mm 108.2g	Protection against splashes or temporary submergence	Either 1.76 OR 3.0ml refillable cartridges	1 AAA alkaline battery
Roche Diagnostics	Accu-Chek Spirit	81 x 55 x 20mm 100g	2.5 metres for 1 hour	3.15ml refillable cartridge	1 AA alkaline battery
Smiths Medical Australasia Pty Ltd	Deltec Cosmo	81 x 46 x 23mm 95g	2.5 metres for 30 minutes 3.7 minutes for 5 minutes	3ml disposable cartridge	1 AAA alkaline battery

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