Approach to the adult hospitalized patient on an insulin pump

Patients on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, or insulin pumps, are increasingly seen in hospitals. Inpatient providers need to have a working knowledge of insulin pumps to be able to decide, in conjunction with the patient whenever feasible, whether or not pump use is to be continued in the hospital, to assist patients in adjusting insulin doses via continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, to transition patients to multiple daily subcutaneous insulin dosing as appropriate, and to prevent or manage problems that might arise from improper handling of the insulin pump. Clinical vignettes with key points and strategies for patient care are discussed in this article.