Medical Encyclopedia
Will my insurance cover the cost of cannulas and other insulin pump supplies?
In most states, if you have insurance coverage, your carrier will be required to cover insulin pump supplies under "durable medical goods." Be sure to check with your plan administrator before assuming your supplies will be covered.
Cannula
Definition: A cannula is a medical device that can either be a hollow tube or pen-like device. The pen-like device is used to draw off fluid. The type of cannula used to administer insulin (i.e.,via an insulin pump, OmniPod, or Insuflon i-port) is a hollow tube that is inserted subcutaneously (under the skin) into the body.
Cannulas used in insulin delivery may be soft plastic or (hard) metal. They come in various lengths and sizes and only your doctor should recommend the right size for you. The right size is not only important for comfort but also to ensure proper insulin delivery.
Soft cannulas have a tendency to "crimp" which can interrupt or interfere with normal insulin delivery and may need to be changed more frequently than metal canulas. Both canulas can cause infection if proper care is not used when inserting them or removing them.
Cannulas, depending upon the brand and type, may either be inserted manually by hand, or with a special insertion device that will come with the cannula set. Some cannulas come with tubing already attached, while others do not.
Ask your doctor or insulin pump representative for free samples of different cannulas that you can try out. Some work better on the hips and buttocks, while others can be worn comfortable on the tummy and back of arm.
Picture of a soft cannula (plastic) for use with an insulin pump.
Picture of a hard cannula for use with an insulin pump.