For people who use an insulin pump, the infusion set plays a very important role in daily diabetes management. While the insulin pump delivers insulin, it is the infusion set that actually carries the insulin from the pump into the body of an individual Many people focus on the pump only , but understanding the infusion parts, types, and cost is equally important for safe and effective insulin delivery. This article explains infusion sets in a simple and in a clear way so that patients, caregivers, and students can understand them easily.
What Is an Infusion Set?
An insulin delivery set is a small medical device which is basically used to deliver insulin from an insulin delivering pump into the body of an individual. It usually connects the insulin pump to the tissue (which is the fatty layer under the skin) where insulin is absorbed into the bloodstream of the body. The infusion set is worn continuously and usually needs to be changed after every two to three days. Infusion sets are mostly designed to be flexible, comfortable, and safe for daily use. They allow insulin to be delivered easily throughout the day and in proper amounts, which helps the person to maintain better blood and sugar control.
Why Is an Infusion Set Important?
Even the best insulin delivering pump cannot work properly without a good infusion delivering set. A poorly placed or blocked infusion set can lead to high blood and sugar levels and increase the risk of problems in an individual .
Infusion sets are important because they:
- Ensure continuous and accurate insulin delivery
- Reduce the need for daily injections
- Improve comfort and convenience of the patient
- Helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels
- Support an active lifestyle
Parts of an Infusion Set
Understanding the parts of an infusion set helps users handle it correctly and identify problems early.
Cannula
The cannula is a small, soft tube like structure that sits under the skin and delivers the insulin into the body. It is usually made up of flexible plastic some of the infusion insulin sets use a thin steel needle instead. Cannulas come in different lengths to suit different body types and the need of the insulin .
Needle (Inserter Needle)
The needle is used only during the insertion to guide the cannula under the skin of an infected person. Once the cannula is placed, the needle is removed in soft-cannula sets. In steel infusion sets, the needle remains in same place.
Tubing
Tubing is the substance which connects the insulin pump to the cannula. Insulin flows through this tubing from the pump into the body of a person. Tubing comes in different lengths so the users can choose what feels them most comfortable.
Connector (Hub)
The connector joins the tubing to the cannula. Connector allows the user to disconnect the pump temporarily, during bathing or swimming.
Adhesive Patch
The adhesive patch sticks the infusion set securely to the skin of a person. A strong but skin-friendly adhesive is important to prevent the infusion set from getting loose.
Types of Infusion Sets
Infusion sets are available in different designs to suit individual needs, comfort, and body types.
Based on Cannula Type
Soft Cannula Infusion Sets
Soft cannula infusion sets use a flexible plastic tube that stays under the skin of an individual These are the most commonly used infusion sets.
Advantages include:
- More comfortable for daily wear
- Flexible and less noticeable
- Suitable for most users
Steel Needle Infusion Sets
Steel infusion sets use a very thin metal needle instead of a plastic cannula. The needle stays under the skin until the set is changed.
These sets are often recommended for:
- People with frequent cannula kinks
- Lean individuals
- Those needing more reliable insulin delivery
Based on Insertion Angle
Straight (90-Degree) Infusion Sets
These infusion insulin sets are inserted straight into the skin at a 90-degree angle. They are easy to use and usually come with automatic inserters.
Best suited for:
- Adults and children
- People with average body fat
- Beginners using insulin pumps
Angled Infusion Sets
Angled infusion sets are inserted at an angle, usually between 20 and 45 degrees. They are really helpful for people with less body fat.
Benefits include:
- Better for lean users
- Reduced risk of hitting muscle
- Improved comfort during movement
Based on Insertion Method
Manual Insertion Sets
These infusion sets are genera lly inserted by hand only . They give users more control during the placement but require more practice.
Automatic Insertion Sets
Automatic inserters make insertion very quick and almost painless for a person.They are popular among the beginners and children.
How Often Should an Infusion Set Be Changed?
Most infusion insulin sets should be changed every 2 to 3 days. Changing the set regularly helps to prevent infection, blockage, and skin irritation.
Reasons to change an infusion set include:
- Reduced insulin absorption
- High blood sugar levels
- Redness or pain at the site
- Blocked or kinked cannula
Common Sites for Infusion Set Placement
Infusion sets are placed in areas with enough fatty tissue for proper insulin absorption.
Common sites include:
- Abdomen (most preferred)
- Upper thighs
- Buttocks
- Back of the upper arms
Rotating sites is very important to prevent skin damage and improve insulin absorption.
Benefits of Using Infusion Sets
Infusion insulin sets offer several advantages for the people who use insulin pumps.
Key benefits include:
- Continuous insulin delivery
- Better blood sugar control
- Fewer injections
- Increased lifestyle flexibility
- Improved comfort and convenience
Problems and Complications with Infusion Sets
Like any medical device, infusion sets can sometimes cause issues.
Common problems include:
- Cannula blockage or kinking
- Skin irritation or infection
- Accidental dislodgement
- Air bubbles in tubing
Proper technique, regular site rotation, and timely replacement help reduce these problems.
Price of Infusion Sets
The cost of infusion sets varies depending on the brand, type, and country.
Infusion Set Price in India (Approximate)
- Soft cannula infusion set: ₹800 – ₹1,500 per set
- Steel needle infusion set: ₹900 – ₹1,800 per set
- Box of 10 infusion sets: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000
Prices may vary based on insulin pump
Tips for Choosing the Right Infusion Set
Choosing the right infusion insulin set improves comfort and insulin delivery for an individual.
Important factors to consider:
- Body type
- Skin sensitivity
- Lifestyle and activity level
- Pump compatibility
- Doctor’s recommendation
Infusion Set vs Insulin Syringe and Pen
Infusion sets provide continuous insulin delivery, while syringes and pens require multiple insulin injections daily. Although infusion sets are more expensive, they offer better flexibility of the infusion and control for many users.
Conclusion
An infusion insulin set is a small but essential part of insulin pump therapy. Understanding its parts, types, and cost helps users to make informed choices and manage diabetes of a person more effectively. With the right infusion insulin set, proper technique, and regular care, insulin pump users can enjoy better blood and sugar control, improved comfort, and a more flexible lifestyle.
