The Triple I

In a short time to come, the ever changing technology dealing with the management of diabetes, is going to give three wonderful devices that may revolutionize the insulin delivery system. They are:

Implantable Insulin Pumps: The first I stands for the Implantable Insulin Pumps. These are surgically implanted, usually on the left side of the abdomen.  The pump is disc shaped and weighs about 6-8 ounces. It delivers a basal dose of insulin continuously.  Users deliver bolus insulin doses (several units at a time) with a remote control unit that prompts the pump to give the specified amount of insulin.  The greatest advantage of this method is that like insulin produced naturally from the pancreas, the insulin from the pump goes directly to the liver to prevent excess sugar production there. One may call it an Artificial Pancreas.

Insulin Patch:  The second I stands for the Insulin Patch. It is placed on the skin, gives a continuous low dose of insulin. To adjust insulin doses before meals, users can pull off a tab on the patch to release insulin.  The problem that has not yet been overcome is that insulin does not get through the skin very easily.

Inhaled Insulin Delivery System: This is the third I of the triple I. It provides insulin as a dry powder inhaled through the mouth directly into the lungs where it passes into the bloodstream. This aerosol delivery system is about the size of a flashlight and uses rapid-acting insulin.