Using a Child’s Diabetes Technology in the Hospital

Using a Child’s Diabetes Technology in the Hospital

Learn what to expect if your child needs to stay overnight at the hospital with their Continuous Glucose Monitor and Insulin pump.
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Can My Child’s Insulin Pump or Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) be Used in the Hospital?

Any child who stays overnight in the hospital while using an insulin pump or CGM must be seen by an endocrinologist (diabetes doctor). They will work with your child’s other providers to decide if it is safe to continue using the insulin pump or CGM during the hospital stay.

In some situations, the care team may decide it is not safe to use an insulin pump or CGM in the hospital.  If the insulin pump cannot be used, your child will receive insulin shots to help control blood sugar.

Insulin pumps and CGMs may also need to be removed if your child is having:

  • Surgery or procedure.
  • Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.

Removing the insulin pump or CGM helps protect the device and keeps your child’s skin around it safe.

What Do I Need to Do So My Child Can Use Their Insulin Pump or CGM in the Hospital?

There are rules that must be followed. These rules help keep your child safe while in the hospital.  Your child’s nurses and providers will explain these rules to you.  The insulin pump or CGM may be turned off if the rules are not followed.  Insulin shots will be given instead.

Hospital Rules

  • Someone who is trained to take care of the insulin pump or CGM must stay at the hospital 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • The caregiver must take care of the insulin pump and CGM while your child is in the hospital.  They will fix any alarms and do all the button pushing on the device.
  • Your child may not take care of the insulin pump or CGM while in the hospital, even if they are over 18 years old.
  • If the caregiver needs to leave your child’s room for a short period of time, they  must:
    • Tell the nurse.
    • Give the nurse a cell phone number.
    • Stay in the hospital.
    • Be able to return to the room quickly.
    • The caregiver cannot make changes to the insulin pump settings or give extra insulin without an order from the diabetes doctor.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.

Draft Number: 1877Revision: June 1, 2026

This content was created to help you care for your child and/or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.