Diabetic develops insulin friendly device

The traditional method of insulin delivery is by injection with a needle and syringe. The treatment delivers the medication under the skin, where it is absorbed by the body. Insulin pens contain pre-filled or replaceable cartridges of insulin. They contain a short needle at the tip and a dial to select the correct dose of the drug. Insulin pumps are devices that are programmed to deliver a set amount of insulin continuously through a catheter inserted under the skin on the abdomen. The pumps have a refillable storage unit for the insulin and a button to deliver extra doses at meals and snack times.

Some people dislike having to give themselves injections of insulin. It may be especially hard for people who need to give themselves multiple injections over the day. Now there’s another way to get insulin into the body, called the i-port®. The i-port is a small pouch with a nipple. A hole in the middle of the nipple provides access to a catheter. The other end of the catheter is located under the skin, providing an access port to get the insulin into the body.

According to the manufacturer, an i-port can be used for up to 75 injections and worn for 72 hours. Then the i-port must be removed and replaced with a new device.  The i-port can be used by anyone who needs to take regular injections of medication. A doctor’s prescription is required to obtain the device.