Insulin Pump Training

Before attending pump training

Before attending pump training, patients need to:

• Attend a pre-pump group which offers information on various insulin pumps and the requirements and pre-requisites for pumping
• Attend the RMH Pump Clinic to assess your suitability
• See a dietitian to learn carbohydrate counting and gain confirmation in writing of carbohydrate counting competence
• Get written confirmation from your health insurance company that the cost of the pump will be covered in full
• Complete frequent blood glucose monitoring and recording
• Complete online learning modules specific to their pump
• Order pump consumables and additional supplies

Once training date is booked

• Patients are admitted as a day patient for initial training and education
• Follow up appointments are booked for 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year post pump initiation.
• Email and phone contact with the diabetes education team is offered as well as insulin pump company emergency contact information
• Upload and self-interpretation of pump data is an integral component of the process

Pump Upgrade Requirements

Individuals are admitted to RMH as a day patients for pump upgrades.

Referral from an RMH Endocrinologist and private health insurance with a basic hospital cover are required for enrolment into the RMH pump upgrade program.

Health insurers only provide cover for a pump upgrade if the patient’s current pump is greater than 4 years old and / or out of warranty and faulty. Patients are required to check with their health insurer regarding their policy on pump upgrades.

In preparation for a pump upgrade, the process followed at RMH requires the patient complete all the steps as for initial pump training. Refresher appointments with a dietitian is recommended.

Upload of the old pump with their current settings is recommended prior to admission for training.