# Pump Failure Back-Up Plan
**URL:** https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/pump-failure-back-up-plan/15967
**Category:** Type 1 & LADA
**Created:** [March 28, 2026, 11:45pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/pump-failure-back-up-plan/15967 "2026-03-28T23:45:16Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@SAFA1](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/SAFA1)
#### Post date: [March 28, 2026, 11:45pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/pump-failure-back-up-plan/15967/1 "2026-03-28T23:45:16Z")
I have read much discussion lately about pump failures, basal insulin choices, and back-up plans. I commented briefly before, but I thought it might be helpful to share what my Endo and I put together. Since we all are different and have different needs, where my Endo and I have come up with an exact number that works for me, I will use an “X” instead to show where you need to use what number you and your Endo have calculated is right for you. I have given examples below, but please be aware that I am very sensitive to insulin, so my needs may be much less than your needs. So here goes…
**Pump Failure Procedures:** If pump fails, take “X” units of your back-up basal insulin of choice. (I use Lantus because my insurance pays for that brand.) Repeat each 24 hours. Once you get a new pump, start the new pump 24 hours after your last basal injection.
**For Food Bolus:** Divide the Carbs Eaten by your Insulin/ Carb Ratio for that meal. (For Example: my Insulin/carb ratio for dinner is 1:16, so if I have 75 carbs for dinner, 75 divided by 16 = 4.68 units of fast-acting insulin.)
**For Correction Bolus:** To calculate this, note your current blood sugar and subtract your target blood sugar. Divide that result from your Correction Factor to get your Correction Bolus. (Example: Suppose by blood sugar is 304! My Target Blood Sugar is 120, so 304 - 120 = 184. My Correction Factor is 1:95, so 184 divided by 95 = 1.93 units of fast-acting insulin.)
You all should have your insulin/carb ratios, correction factors, and target blood sugars and their corresponding times of day either written down somewhere or in your pump settings.
I have attached my little card and chart if this helps.
Let’s all hope we never need this process, but in this crazy world, I would rather be ready than be put into a panic mode should my pump fail.
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### Author:  [@daniela1](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/daniela1)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2026, 1:26am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/pump-failure-back-up-plan/15967/2 "2026-04-02T01:26:08Z")
Thank you very much for this!! super helpful!! Our daughter is also quite insulin sensitive so I can relate to a few of the statistics you used as examples.
Also an excellent reminder to keep a current record of the pump settings (correction factors, etc..)
Much appreciated!!
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### Author:  [@SAFA1](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/SAFA1)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2026, 3:20pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/pump-failure-back-up-plan/15967/3 "2026-04-02T15:20:00Z")
You are very welcome, Daniela. I like the way my Endo told me to calculate both the bolus and the correction factor, so I made the chart that I can slip into my pocket or wallet when I am out of the house– because, of course, THAT is when the pump will fail! 🙄 Best wishes to your daughter and to your whole family.