Sponsored by Omnipod

Your insulin pump is with you through your daily life. From busy mornings, quiet nights, workdays, weekends and everything in between. It quietly manages your diabetes, providing confidence to live life on your terms.

In Australia, insulin pump use is still relatively uncommon. Estimates suggest that between 10,000 and 15,000 Australians use an insulin pump to manage their diabetes, the majority of whom live with type 1 diabetes. This equates to approximately 10-12 per cent of the Australian type 1 diabetes population¹.

Taking care of your pump is an important part of taking care of yourself. With a few simple habits and regular checks, you can continue to keep it working safely and reliably. In this blog, we share three practical suggestions for those with or considering pumps.

1. Day-to-day management

Managing your insulin pump day to day is about finding what feels comfortable, secure and easy to fit in your routine. You can choose to use carriers such as clips, belts, pouches or clothing with built-in pockets to help keep your pump protected and reduce the risk of accidental pulls. Others may appreciate insulin delivery systems designed to sit directly on the body, removing the need for tubing altogether – like the Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System) (see tip 3).

For those with active lifestyles, ensuring your pump or insulin delivery system is well secured during movement can help prevent discomfort or interruptions. Thoughtful placement or adjusting how your device is worn during activity may help support comfort and reliability. Staying aware of glucose trends around exercise and keeping fast-acting carbohydrates close by can also help you stay active with peace of mind.

At night, small adjustments can support more comfortable sleep. Some people secure their pump in a soft pouch, clipping it to sleepwear or position it beside them to avoid pulling. You may also find it helpful to wear devices that sit flush against the body while sleeping.

2. Extra care during extreme weather

Extreme weather, whether hot, cold or humid, can affect both your insulin pump and how you feel throughout the day. In warmer conditions, keeping your pump or insulin delivery device out of direct heat and sunlight can help protect the insulin and reduce skin irritation.

Across all weather extremes, staying hydrated, monitoring glucose levels more closely and paying attention to how your body responds can help you stay safe and comfortable. Always remember to plan ahead, including having back-up plan if supplies are affected, so you can have peace of mind when the weather is unpredictable.

3. Consider a tubeless, wearable insulin pump

If you’re looking for a simple insulin delivery system that is low-maintenance, discreet, tubeless and waterproof*, you might consider the Omnipod 5 System. Omnipod 5 is a wearable option designed to simplify diabetes management. Unlike traditional pumps that require tubing and separate devices to carry, Omnipod 5 consists of a compact, on-body Pod that delivers continuous insulin for up to three days (72 hours), allowing you to wear it under clothing without added bulk or hassle².

Omnipod 5 automatically adjusts insulin every five minutes using CGM data to help prevent high and low glucose levels³.

To keep your Omnipod running smoothly during summer activities, be mindful of exposure to sunscreens and bug sprays as these can potentially damage the Pod’s casing and lead to alarms. Simply apply gently with your hands and avoid getting them on the Pod.

Unlike other pumps, Omnipod is designed activity, swimming, and showering so you can run, hike, surf or swim without interrupting your insulin delivery.

For general information about the Omnipod 5 system, visit the official Omnipod website here: https://www.omnipod.com/en-au/simplifysummer?ctoken=701Jy00001D6vZzIAJ

*The Pod has an IP28 rating for up to 7.6 metres for 60 minutes. Controller is not waterproof.

This product may not be right for you. Read the warnings before purchase.

The Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System is a single hormone insulin delivery system intended to deliver U-100 insulin subcutaneously for the management of type 1 diabetes in persons aged 2 and older requiring insulin. Refer to the Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System User Guide and www.omnipod.com/en-au/what-is-omnipod/omnipod-5 for complete safety information including indications, contraindications, warnings, cautions, and instructions.

This information is general in nature and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional to determine whether an insulin pump is suitable for your individual needs.

1. Diabetes Victoria. (2015). Understanding insulin pumps [PDF]. https://www.diabetesvic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/a1f90000004kcNGAAY.pdf ↩︎
2. Insulet Corporation. (n.d.). What is Omnipod? Omnipod. https://www.omnipod.com/en-au/what-is-omnipod ↩︎
3. Insulet Corporation. (n.d.). Omnipod. https://www.omnipod.com/en-au ↩︎