Insulin pumps have been used primarily by people with type 1 diabetes but are also being used by people with type 2 diabetes who are insulin-dependent. Recent research indicates that pumps and syringe injections are comparably effective in treating type 2 diabetes.

In general, insulin pumps decrease the risk of severe hypoglycemia (low glucose), according to the American Diabetes Association. However, one recent study of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes suggested that use of an insulin pump during exercise may raise the risk of hypoglycemia long afterward. Individuals are advised to ask their physician about whether to keep their pump on during exercise.

Pumps that are surgically placed in the abdomen promise to be the next wave. These implantable insulin pumps are still used only experimentally in the United States but are more widely available in some other countries. The disk-shaped device delivers a continuous basal dose of insulin. Patients administer bolus doses with a remote-control unit. The pump is refilled with injected insulin every two or three months.

The ultimate goal is development of an artificial pancreas that senses when the patient needs insulin and delivers an appropriate dose of insulin. This would eliminate the patient's need to consistently check glucose (blood sugar) levels.