Accu-Chek Combo

The barometric pressure during operation should be 50 to 106 kPa (500 to 1060 mbar). That means the theoretically allowed altitude range for the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump is 5.643 meter to -360 meter.

Early occlusion detection is an important factor for safe and effective insulin pump therapy.

• An occlusion is an unexpected event where the flow of insulin from a pump into the subcutaneous tissue is blocked.
• The patient is typically not aware that an occlusion has occurred.
• Due to missed insulin, a malfunction can often result in elevated bG levels, which if undetected can lead to hyperglycemia or Ketosis with the risk for the development of life threatening Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).¹

With its faster occlusion detection, the Accu-Chek Combo system may help to reduce the severity of hyperglycemia and minimizes the risk of ketoacidosis resulting from occlusions.

¹Guilhem I et al., Technical risks with subcutaneous insulin infusion. Diabetes Metab 2006, Vol. 32, p. 279 – 284.

It is possible to use the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump during air travels. However there are some aspects which need to be considered:

1. Please disconnect your infusion set during take-off and landing.

Rapid and extreme changes in air pressure, for example in an air plane that is taking off or landing can influence insulin delivery, especially if there are air bubbles in the cartridge or tubing.

1. Turn off Bluetooth communication between pump and meter to ensure flight safety instructions.

There are many accessories that let you keep the pump concealed. For women, a popular option is a bra pouch. It clips on the side of the bra and the pump hangs under the arm. This insulin pump pouch works well for formal dresses, sundresses and tank tops. There are also specially designed thigh and arm pouches. Some women just put the pump in a baby sock and tuck it into the front or side of the bra, or pin it under their clothing.  

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Your healthcare professional will prescribe the insulin that is appropriate for you. An insulin pump delivers a continuous supply of fast-acting insulin, so long-acting insulin is not needed. Because fast-acting insulin has more predictable absorption than intermediate or long-acting insulin, your blood glucose levels can be better controlled.

Today's insulin pumps are about the size of a mobile phone and weigh only a few ounces. During the day, you can clip it to the waistband of your clothing or put it in a pocket. Some women even wear the pump in their bra. You have choices at night, too. Some people clip the pump to their pajamas, while others put it in a pocket or under their pillow. Many people simply lay the pump next to them.

An insulin pump is designed to deliver insulin continuously under the surface of the skin. It may also be referred to as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or CSII. A pump helps keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. A landmark scientific study showed that maintaining blood glucose levels at or near normal levels greatly decreases the likelihood of complications from diabetes.¹

¹Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group. The effect of intensive treatment of diabetes on the development and progression of long-term complications in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. New Engl J Med. 1993;329:977-986.

Costs vary depending on your insurance coverage. 

Insulin pumps are proven to be safe. They have been used by hundreds of thousands of people around the world for years. Today's technology has only served to make them even better. For example, the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump performs over 9 million safety checks each day.

Good, or tight, control requires a balanced approach. Insulin pumps can certainly help you control your blood glucose level, but eating properly, monitoring your blood glucose and regular activity are equally important. The insulin pump doesn't take care of your diabetes—you do.

This is the amount of insulin delivered per hour that is required to cover your basal, meal-independent insulin needs. In insulin pump therapy, your basal rate is determined together with your doctor or healthcare team and can be adjusted to meet your individual physiological needs throughout the day. Your basal rate is delivered by your insulin pump according to the curve of your personal Basal profile or profiles.

The amount of insulin delivered (in addition to the basal rate) to cover the intake of food and to correct high blood glucose levels. The bolus amount is determined by your doctor or healthcare professional.