PUMP IT UP is designed to support people with diabetes and their families/friends who are using insulin pumps or are thinking about using an insulin pump.  We are an independent group that offers no allegiance to any manufacturer.  Our prime objectives are to increase the awareness and understanding of insulin pump therapy and have it funded by the Ministry of Health.

We feel strongly that people with diabetes should be given the opportunity to choose the best care for their condition.  In our opinion the insulin pump is the best tool, currently available.

Insulin pumps were first introduced in the early 1970’s and were relatively crude by modern standards and because the insulin in use at the time was not as stable as today’s insulin’s, they also had reliability problems.

Modern pumps, thanks to the advance of electronics have more safety features, are more reliable and much more durable.  This, together with the new “buffered” insulin, means that pump therapy is as safe as multiple injection therapy when recommended procedures are followed.

Insulin pumps are widely used in most European countries and are fully funded in Germany, France, Sweden, Holland, the Czech Republic, Norway, and Israel and are purchased by hospital budgets in Italy and Finland.  New Zealand and Brazil are the only first world countries that do not provide some form of funding for insulin pumps or insulin pump consumables.

Growing clinical evidence supports the use of insulin pumps as the therapy of choice, in motivated people with diabetes.  Insulin pumps provide an important tool that may be effective in reducing hypoglycaemia, maintaining more normal blood glucose levels and in reducing the complications and costs of diabetes, and the flexibility that they provide can improve life quality.

Our main aims are:

• To raise awareness of insulin pump therapy in New Zealand
• To help, support and educate insulin pump users and their
  families/friends
• To have insulin pump therapy fully funded by the Ministry of health

This web-site is designed to inform, support and share diabetes and insulin pump information with you.  It has not been designed to replace medical advice, so for medical information/advice please contact a health professional.  Thank you.