The short answer is, no, insulin pumps will not cause skin damage if you rotate where the insulin is delivered each time, as is recommended by manufacturers.
Insulin pumps release insulin into the skin in small amounts on a continuous basis and in bigger doses as needed. The insulin is delivered by a device called a cannula. The cannula stays in one spot for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the administration set that is used. When it's time to change the site, you should move the cannula 2 inches away from the spot just used.
Even though the insulin is pumped in one spot for 2 to 3 days, it will not damage skin if the pump site is rotated. Most people use one side of the abdomen and rotate spots in a clockwise direction, always keeping 2 inches away from the last used spot. When all sites on that side have been used, they switch to the other side of the abdomen and follow the same clockwise pattern. By the time all injection spots on that side has been used, the first side has had a chance to heal and can be used again.
To prevent infection, make sure to cleanse the new site well, according to the manufacturer's directions, before inserting the cannula.
Source:
"Infusion Site Management Guide." 14 Sep 2007. Diestronic Medical Systems Inc. 8 Oct 2007.
