Temporary Basal Rates, Temporary Targets and Activity Features
These instructions are for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients with an insulin pump.
Important information:
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Insulin pumps give a continuous, steady dose of insulin, called the basal rate. During stress, exercise or illness these rates may need to be adjusted.
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Program a temporary feature when you expect a change to occur in blood sugar. For example, you may need less insulin if soccer practice is scheduled, and your blood sugar typically drops during exercise. More insulin may be needed during illness, which can raise blood sugar.
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Select a specific length of time for the temporary feature.
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The temporary feature will stop at the end of the selected time and return to the normal basal rate.
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Your blood sugar patterns will tell you what works.
You may need to use temporary features during the following times:
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Flu
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Common cold
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Surgery
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Dental work
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Stomach virus
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Menstrual cycle
For instructions on how to use temporary features, refer to the pump manufacturer or your team.
Contact your CHOP healthcare team with any questions or concerns specific to your child.
Reviewed on March 17, 2023, by Lisa Miller, CDE, RD, LDN, CPT