Slide show: Insulin pump and other common insulin delivery devices

You can choose from several delivery devices to take your insulin. Each has pros and cons to consider.

An insulin pump delivers infusions of insulin through a plastic catheter placed underneath the skin on your abdomen. You program the pump to deliver a continuous (basal) dose of insulin as well as supplemental (bolus) doses before meals.

The primary advantage of an insulin pump is that you're often able to achieve normal or near-normal blood sugar levels (tight control), which can help prevent long-term diabetes complications.

A disadvantage is that insulin pumps are expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Also, before using a pump you must complete a short training program and be committed to obtaining frequent blood sugar readings.

Most people in the United States use disposable insulin syringes and needles to inject insulin. This method costs less than insulin injection devices such as pumps and pens. But, withdrawing insulin from a bottle isn't as convenient or discreet as using some devices. And if you have visual impairment or numbness, stiffness or tremors in your hands, withdrawing insulin from a bottle can be difficult or even impossible.

Insulin injection pens are about the size of an ink pen and have a self-contained insulin cartridge. You turn the dial to align the arrow with the amount of insulin you need. Then insert the needle underneath your skin and press a spring-loaded plunger to inject the insulin. Once you've used the insulin in the cartridge, you dispose of the entire pen.

This device is convenient, discreet and easier to use than a syringe. However, disposable pens cost more than syringes. And you may have to waste some insulin or give yourself two injections if you require more insulin than is left in a partially used cartridge.

If disposable injection pens aren't available or you'd prefer not to use them, a refillable insulin injection pen is another option. Refillable pens have the same features as disposable pens and cost about the same. The only difference is that you don't discard a refillable pen. Instead, you replace the insulin cartridge yourself.

When you're not using this injection pen, you protect the insulin cartridge with a cover that looks like the top of an ink pen.

If you're visually impaired, a disposable insulin injection pen with large numbers on the dial may work best for you. The size and design of this device also make it easier to hold and control — a helpful feature if you have arthritis, numbness or tremors in your hands. Because it's disposable, you won't have to load and unload insulin cartridges.

An insulin inhaler is used to take powdered insulin. You empty packets of powdered insulin into the inhaler, then breathe the medication through your mouth into your lungs where it's absorbed into the bloodstream. This device offers a quick, easy way to take short-acting insulin. You need to develop a consistent technique to ensure you're getting the correct dosage each time.

Advantages to inhaled insulin include the convenience of carrying the compact inhaler and its fast-acting nature. Inhaled insulin can be taken minutes before meals to control blood sugar increases. Inhaled insulin packets require no special storage and have a long shelf life.

An inhaler is not suitable if you smoke or have recently quit smoking. It's also not recommended if you have asthma, bronchitis or emphysema. Inhaled insulin can cause a cough, dry mouth or chest discomfort.