Diabetic Supplies

Monitoring glucose levels is critically important for patients with diabetes. Unlike blood glucose meters (BGM), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices help manage diabetes by providing real-time, glucose information about close levels, direction, and speed every 5 minutes – up to 288 readings in a 24-hour period. This kind of access to relevant and current information provides peace of mind by allowing patients to use the results of their glucose monitoring to make informed decisions about their nutrition, activity level, and medication.

A CGM system works through a tiny sensor that is inserted under the skin – usually on the belly or arm – and measures a patient’s interstitial glucose level found in the fluid between the cells. Glucose is tested every few minutes, and the information is sent to a monitor via a wireless transmitter. The monitor may be part of an insulin pump or a separate device, which can be carried in a pocket or a purse. Some CGM devices can even send information directly to a smartphone or tablet.

PreHab Medical Supplies offers a full line of insulin pumps to meet your specific needs. These are small, computerized devices programmed to deliver insulin into the fatty tissue beneath your skin. An insulin pump replaces the need for insulin injections. A programmed dose of insulin is delivered continuously, 24 hours a day, while mealtime doses can be administered with the touch of a button.

Most of the insulin pumps we offer are compact – roughly the size of a deck of cards – yet accommodate a reservoir of insulin, the pumping mechanism, battery, computer chip, and a screen. They’re called external pumps because they are worn outside of the body, typically attached to a belt, waistline, or even a bra, or they can be carried in a pocket.

Apart from the Omnipod insulin pump, all other pumps are connected by thin plastic tubing to an infusion set. The infusion set serves as a “connector” between the insulin pump and your body. Like an intravenous line, it allows insulin to flow from the pump into your skin and is attached to your skin with a strong adhesive.

On the underside of the infusion set is a needle housed inside a cannula, a tiny plastic tube. The needle is used to puncture the skin to insert the cannula. After insertion, the needle is removed, and the cannula stays in place. Many infusion sets come with a push-button, spring-loaded insertion device that inserts the set.

There are various types of infusion sets categorized as either angled set or straight set. Angled sets are inserted at a 30-degree angle and sit laterally under the skin, while straight sets are inserted perpendicularly at a 90-degree angle. Cannulas and needles for both types of infusion sets are available in different lengths. Infusion sets are changed every two to three days.

What Makes the Omnipod Insulin Pump Different?

The Omnipod insulin pump, also called a “patch pump,” is tubeless. Each “pod” contains an insulin reservoir and adheres directly to the skin, with a tiny cannula inserted just beneath the skin. There are no infusion sets or tubing involved. It comes with a wireless device that communicates with the pod to administer insulin.

Blood glucose monitors are used to monitor your blood glucose levels periodically throughout the day. The meter is able to measure the amount of glucose from a very minute blood sample. The blood is usually taken from your fingertip and placed on a test strip. The strip is hooked to the monitor, which then gives a value indicating your blood glucose levels. You may ask our specialists or your provider to give more in-depth instructions on how to use a glucose monitor appropriately.

There are a few things to keep in mind when testing yourself. You must wash and dry your hands properly, as food could give inaccurate readings. You can also take a reading from other places on the body, such as your palm. A target range can be any value between 80 and 130.