Ask Our Team
Can a specific subcutaneous site not be suitable for use? We have tried my son's stomach (he is thin) over and over and though he used it effectively for shots, it fails frequently for his pump sites.
Responses
Gary Scheiner says
Yes, some sites are not going to work well for pump infusion sets. These include:1) The area immediately around the belly button
2) Spots that have bone right underneath
3) Places where clothing may pull at or press on the site often (the pants waistband, for example)
4) Places that are prone to being hit or knocking into things (backs of arms for active kids)
5) Anyplace where the fat under the skin has either worn away or has become hard and swollen. Insulin simply will not absorb well at these sites.
The buttocks is a great place for most lean kids to wear their infusion sets. To avoid site overuse (and lipodystrophy), rotate sites in an organized way. Stay on one "cheek" for several site changes before going to the other cheek. Here is an example:
left side right side
1 2 3 12 11 10
4 5 6 15 14 13
7 8 9 18 17 16
Gary Scheiner MS, CDE
Owner & Clinical Director
Integrated Diabetes Services
333 E. Lancaster Ave., Suite 204
Wynnewood, PA 19096
toll free: 877-735-3648
(610) 642-6055
fax (610) 642-8046
