Insulin Pump Maintenance & Care:
What Parents Need to Know
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Managing diabetes with an insulin pump can feel like having a small but mighty teammate. It’s there to do an important job, delivering insulin so kids can focus on being kids. But like any tool, an insulin pump needs regular care to work well. Keeping up with maintenance isn’t just about making life easier—it’s about giving children a sense of control over their health and reducing the unexpected challenges that can come with diabetes management.
Unlike injections, which are a single moment of care, insulin pumps require ongoing attention. Tubing can kink, batteries eventually run out, and infusion sites need to be rotated to prevent irritation or absorption issues. And while manufacturers design pumps to handle the everyday adventures of childhood, real life includes sticky hands, playground tumbles, and the occasional splash of water.
For parents, the goal is to keep things running smoothly while also helping kids feel confident in managing their care. With some simple habits, an insulin pump can remain reliable and ready for whatever the day holds.
Keeping the Pump Working Like It Should
Site Rotation Matters
One of the most important steps in pump care is changing infusion sites regularly. Insulin absorption can be affected when the same spot is used too often. Over time, scar tissue can build up, making it harder for insulin to enter the bloodstream properly. Kids often have their favorite spots—ones that feel the least painful or easiest to reach—but using those same areas over and over can lead to erratic blood sugar levels.
A good way to encourage variety is to create a pattern for rotation. Some families use the clock method, moving around the body in a circular pattern, while others follow a grid system, spacing out sites across the abdomen, arms, thighs, or buttocks. Keeping a site rotation chart can help, and letting kids have some choice in where the next site goes can make it a more positive experience. Small incentives, like stickers or colorful charts, can turn it into a game rather than a chore.
Recognizing the Signs of a Site Issue
Not all pump issues come with a loud alarm. Sometimes, everything looks fine, but blood sugar levels tell a different story. If numbers are unexpectedly high, especially after a site change, there could be an underlying problem.
Common reasons for insulin not working as expected include:
- A bent or pulled-out cannula
- A kink or air bubble in the tubing
- A site that isn’t absorbing insulin well
Older kids who can communicate discomfort might mention stinging, burning, or feeling “off” after a bolus. Younger children, who might not have the words to explain, may become fussier, avoid letting anyone near their site, or seem more tired than usual. If blood sugar levels remain high despite a correction dose, checking the site first can help pinpoint the issue before assuming another cause.
Avoiding Pump Disruptions in Daily Life
Battery and Charging Habits
Most parents have seen the low-battery warning and thought, “It’ll last a little longer.” But some insulin pumps stop working completely when the battery dies, while others switch to a backup mode that might not function as expected. Keeping extra batteries or a charging cable in multiple places—like in a backpack, the car, or at a relative’s house—can help avoid last-minute stress.
If the pump uses replaceable batteries, checking expiration dates is another small but useful habit. Batteries that are older tend to drain faster, which can lead to unexpected shutdowns.
Tubing and Air Bubbles
At first glance, insulin pump tubing might seem like the simplest part of the system, but even small issues can interfere with insulin delivery. Air bubbles, for example, can create inconsistencies in how much insulin is actually reaching the body. These bubbles are often tiny and easy to miss, but they can lead to high blood sugar if they build up in the tubing.
To help reduce bubbles, priming the tubing properly before inserting a new site is important. Holding the pump at different angles and tapping the tubing gently can help move any trapped air toward the exit point. Some families find that filling reservoirs at room temperature instead of straight from the fridge helps, since cold insulin can cause air pockets to form more easily.
Choosing the Right Infusion Set
Not every infusion set works the same way for every child. Some kids find that angled sets work better, while others do best with straight-in options. If a child frequently has site issues—like discomfort, irritation, or unexplained highs—it may not be the pump itself but rather the type of infusion set being used. Testing different styles with the help of a healthcare provider can lead to better results and a more comfortable experience.
Everyday Protection for the Pump
Keeping It Safe from Water, Sweat, and Play
Even when a pump is labeled as water-resistant, it doesn’t mean it’s fully waterproof. A quick splash from the sink or light rain might not cause damage, but full submersion—like jumping into a pool—can be a different story. Some families use waterproof pouches or specially designed pump cases to add an extra layer of protection.
Sweat can also be a factor, especially during sports or outdoor play. If a child’s pump tends to slip or come loose with activity, using extra tape, a pump belt, or skin-safe adhesive wipes can help keep everything in place.
Sticky Hands and Button Buildup
Kids touch their insulin pumps constantly—adjusting tubing, pressing buttons, or simply holding them while moving around. Over time, this can lead to buildup around screens and buttons, especially if hands are sticky from snacks or lotion. Wiping down the pump regularly with a damp cloth or alcohol wipe (while avoiding direct exposure to openings) can help keep buttons working smoothly.
Preventing Nighttime Tangles
Some children move a lot in their sleep, which can lead to tubing getting wrapped around their bodies or even pulling the site loose. If this is a frequent issue, trying different site locations—like the back of the arm instead of the stomach—might help. Pajamas with a built-in pocket or a pump belt can also keep the pump more secure at night.
Handling Pump Malfunctions
Even with careful maintenance, insulin pumps can sometimes fail. When blood sugar levels are rising quickly without an obvious reason, and changing the site doesn’t fix it, switching to backup injections may be the safest option while troubleshooting the pump. Most pump manufacturers have customer service lines that can help determine whether a replacement is needed, and some even offer emergency loaner pumps.
Having a backup plan in place—such as keeping an insulin pen or syringe on hand—can make the transition smoother if the pump suddenly stops working. While it may not be part of the daily routine, knowing that a backup exists can provide peace of mind.
Making Diabetes Management Easier for Kids
For children, medical devices can feel like a constant part of their lives. Pump site changes, tubing adjustments, and alarms can become tiring over time. That’s why play is such a powerful tool for helping kids feel more comfortable with their care.
Medical play allows children to engage with diabetes management in a way that feels familiar and fun. Giving a stuffed animal or doll its own pretend insulin pump can help children process their experiences, practice site changes, and even explain their care to friends or siblings. When kids can see medical care as something they have control over—even in small ways—it can make a big difference in their confidence and comfort.
Conclusion
An insulin pump is a valuable tool, but it works best with regular care. By keeping up with site rotation, checking for hidden issues, and making daily habits easier for kids, pump management can become a smoother, less stressful part of life. While challenges will come up, small steps toward consistency and play-based learning can help children feel more in control of their diabetes care.