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Alternative Devices for Taking Insulin (Continued)

Injection ports provide an alternative to daily injections. Injection ports look like infusion sets without the long tubing. Like infusion sets, injection ports have a cannula that is inserted into the tissue beneath the skin. On the skin’s surface, an adhesive patch or dressing holds the port in place. The user injects insulin through the port with a needle and syringe or an insulin pen. The port remains in place for several days and is then replaced. Use of an injection port allows a person to reduce the number of skin punctures to one every few days to apply a new port.

Using an injection port reduces the number of skin punctures to one every few days to apply a new port. The user injects insulin through the port.

Injection aids are devices that help users give injections with needles and syringes through the use of spring-loaded syringe holders or stabilizing guides. Many injection aids have a button the user pushes to inject the insulin.

Insulin jet injectors send a fine spray of insulin into the skin at high pressure instead of using a needle to deliver the insulin.

What are the prospects for an artificial pancreas?

To overcome the limitations of current insulin therapy, researchers have long sought to link glucose monitoring and insulin delivery by developing an artificial pancreas. An artificial pancreas is a system that will mimic, as closely as possible, the way a healthy pancreas detects changes in blood glucose levels and responds automatically to secrete appropriate amounts of insulin. Although not a cure, an artificial pancreas has the potential to significantly improve diabetes care and management and to reduce the burden of monitoring and managing blood glucose.

An artificial pancreas based on mechanical devices requires at least three components:
  • a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system
  • an insulin delivery system
  • a computer program that adjusts insulin delivery based on changes in glucose levels


    • CGM systems approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include those made by Abbott, DexCom, and Medtronic. A CGM system paired with an insulin pump is available from Medtronic. This integrated system, called the MiniMed Paradigm REAL-Time System, is not an artificial pancreas, but it does represent the first step in joining glucose monitoring and insulin delivery systems using the most advanced technology available.

    Points to Remember
  • Many people with diabetes who need insulin use a needle and syringe to inject insulin under the skin.
  • The most common alternative ways to deliver insulin are insulin pens and insulin pumps. Injection ports, injection aids, and insulin jet injectors are also available.
  • Researchers are developing an artificial pancreas, a system of mechanical devices that will automatically adjust insulin delivery based on changes in glucose levels.
  • People who take insulin should monitor their blood glucose levels regularly.
  • Good glucose control can prevent complications of diabetes.


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