Insulin pumps are an extremely common tool for diabetes management, and although most people are aware that they have choices of pump brands, they don’t always realize that they also have options when it comes to their infusion sets (the small adhesive unit that connects the pump to your body).

Knowing your options can allow you to choose supplies that work best for your body type and your lifestyle.

Read on to learn more.

An infusion set connects the insulin pump device to your body. It’s a small adhesive that houses a tiny needle that punctures your skin to place a cannula (tiny plastic tube) under your skin in the subcutaneous fat to deliver insulin.

Infusion sets can be inserted manually, but most have a separate inserter device that houses the adhesive patch, cannula, and tubing, which connects to your insulin pump. Once the infusion set is inserted, you remove the needle, and the cannula and connection site are left behind.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently requires existing infusion sets to be changed every 2 to 3 days to avoid insulin buildup or site infection. One company has recently gotten FDA approval for the first-ever 7-day wear infusion set, but as of fall 2021, that product is not yet launched.

Experts recommend alternating where you wear the sets to avoid scar tissue and insulin buildup. Places for your site include your abdomen, buttocks, arms, and thighs. However, most doctors recommend stomach placement as it has the fastest insulin absorption rate. They also warn users to be careful of placing a set where clothes may irritate it, such as your belt line, or where your body bends, as these places can often lead to the set prematurely falling off. To intentionally disconnect the pump tubing, most sets require you to squeeze and turn the sides to “click” out of the set.

Like most other diabetes supplies, infusion sets require a prescription, so be sure to talk with your doctor about your choice of infusion set.

There are two main types you can choose from:

Note that it is possible for infusion sets to fail, due to “crimped” cannulas or bad locations on your body. If you are noticing higher blood sugars, change your set as soon as possible and consider taking an insulin shot via syringe to ensure insulin delivery. Also, the site where you place the infusion set can become infected, so be sure to pay attention if the site feels painful or if the skin around the area is red or discolored. If so, change out the set immediately and contact a medical professional for possible antibiotics to treat the infection.

Generally, insulin sets look very similar. But besides angled or straight, there are some important features to consider when picking the right set for you.

Needle gauge. Infusion set needles generally range from 25 to 29 gauge in diameter. Remember that the lower the gauge number, the shorter the needle. These are very tiny needles.

Cannula length. Infusion set cannulas come in lengths from 6 to 17 millimeters (mm), but most common lengths are at the lower end. Medtronic Diabetes, a leading insulin pump and infusion set provider, suggests using a 6 mm cannula length if you have low or average body mass index (BMI); if you tend towards higher BMI, they suggest using the 9 mm cannula length.

Tubing length. Infusion set tubing is available in a variety of lengths, typically 23, 32, and 43 inches. Your choice will depend on factors related to your height, preferred location of pump wear, daily activities, and other preferences.

Medtronic suggests that if you wear your insulin pump close to your infusion site, 18″ or 23″ tubing is recommended. If not, then 32″ or 43″ tubing may be the best fit.

Insertion device. There are different versions of the disposable plastic piece that’s designed to insert the set. Some are made specifically to be usable with just one hand, for example.

Connector type. Most pumps these days use a luer lock male-female plastic connector, to protect against accidental exposure of the introducer needle and possible leakage.

The cost of an infusion set can vary from $90 to $140 out of pocket, but with insurance, they’re usually lumped in with other insulin pump supplies for a low monthly copay.

Most sets are available to purchase directly from the manufacturer, or from online diabetes supply sites and even from Amazon. If you go through insurance, you may be required to use a third-party medical distribution company like Edgepark, OneMed, or Medco Supply.

Here are details on a few of the leading infusion set brands:

There are a number of parameters to consider when choosing an infusion set for your insulin pump. You can consult with your doctor, but at the end of the day, you have to figure out for yourself which set works best for your body and lifestyle — which may require some trial and error.

Most insulin pump companies will allow you to return these products and exchange them for something else within 7 to 10 days of receiving your order if you do not like them.

Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2021

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