What to Do When Your Insulin Pump Expires

If you use an insulin pump, it's important to know that your device has an expiration date. Once a pump expires, it may not function reliably, which can lead to gaps in insulin delivery and rising blood sugar levels. Keeping track of when your pump expires helps you avoid unexpected high blood sugar episodes.

When an insulin pump reaches its expiration date, it's time to replace it with a new one. Continuing to use an expired pump puts you at risk for inconsistent insulin delivery. This is why it's crucial to have a plan in place well before your current pump expires—you'll want to have a new pump on hand or scheduled for delivery.

If you're between pumps or waiting for a replacement, having backup insulin on hand—such as insulin stored in your refrigerator—can help bridge the gap. This way, if your pump expires before your new one arrives, you still have insulin available to manage your blood sugar while you complete the transition to your new device.

When you set up a new pump, following best practices like using alcohol swabs to clean the infusion site helps reduce the risk of infection and ensures better insulin absorption. Taking time to prepare the site correctly is part of setting yourself up for reliable pump performance.

Source: YouTube community video. Evidence type: Community video — lay discussion, not peer-reviewed research. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.