_(1000_x_333_px).svg)
How to measure for an insulin pump belt?
An insulin pump belt can be made to fit your specific pump, but for comfortable wear we need one more important measurement: the circumference of the area where you will actually wear the belt.
All you need is a measuring tape and a few minutes. The important thing is to measure exactly where the belt will be worn.
The most important rule:
Do not use your trouser size or measure an old belt. Measure directly around your body exactly where you want to wear your insulin pump belt.
Where should I measure?
You do not have to wear the belt at the narrowest part of your waist. Some people prefer to wear it higher, some across the abdomen, while others find it more comfortable lower down around the hips.
First think about where you would naturally position the belt during everyday wear. Measure your circumference at exactly this point.
This is important because your body circumference can vary by several centimetres at different heights. If you measure your waist but then wear the belt lower down, the resulting size may not match what you actually need.
Miolka tip:
Do not look for the “correct position” in a size chart. The correct position is where the belt feels comfortable for you or your child.
How to measure correctly – step by step
Stand upright and relaxed. Do not pull in your stomach or try to make the measurement smaller. When measuring a child, simply let them stand naturally and comfortably.
Wrap the measuring tape around your body exactly where you expect to wear your insulin pump belt most often.
The measuring tape should run approximately horizontally around your body. Check from the side and back as well to make sure it has not moved higher or lower or become twisted.
The measuring tape should rest lightly against your body. It should not hang loosely, but it should not dig into your skin either.
Breathe normally, keep your stomach relaxed and read the measured circumference.
If you get the same or almost the same measurement the second time, you can use it when ordering. For children, we always recommend measuring twice.
Check the correct side of the measuring tape
This mistake is easier to make than you might think. Before writing down the measurement, make sure you are reading the correct side of the tape.
Some measuring tapes show centimetres on one side and inches on the other. Others may have scales running in opposite directions. Turning the tape over can therefore result in a completely different measurement.
For Miolka, please provide the circumference in centimetres (cm).
Should I add or subtract anything from my measurement?
No.
For a made-to-measure Miolka belt, simply provide your actual body circumference in centimetres.
If you measure 74 cm → enter 74 cm when ordering.
You do not need to calculate the stretch of the fabric, reduce your measurement or add a few centimetres “for comfort”. We adjust the belt during production according to the circumference you provide and the construction of the product.
How should I measure a child?
Use the same method as for an adult. The child should stand naturally and relaxed. Place the measuring tape around the exact area where the belt will actually be worn.
Ideally, measure directly against the body or over one thin layer of clothing. Measuring over a sweatshirt, jumper or other thick clothing may unnecessarily increase the measurement.
Do not ask your child to “pull in your tummy”. 😊 We need their normal, natural circumference.
We also recommend measuring children again before every new order. They may have grown since their last order and their body proportions may have changed.
Should I measure directly on the body or over clothing?
For normal everyday use, we recommend measuring directly on the body or over a very thin layer of clothing.
However, if you already know that you will regularly wear the belt over a particular thicker layer, you can measure over that layer instead. The important thing is that the way you measure reflects how you will actually wear the belt.
5 common measuring mistakes
1. Measuring somewhere other than where the belt will be worn
Your waist measurement can be very different from the circumference lower down around your abdomen or hips.
2. Pulling in your stomach
Measure in a natural standing position. You will wear the belt while breathing and moving normally.
3. Pulling the measuring tape too tight
The tape should rest against the body without pressing into or squeezing the skin.
4. Holding the tape at an angle
Check its position at the front, sides and back.
5. Reading the wrong side of the measuring tape
Before submitting your measurement, check the units and the correct scale. For Miolka orders, please enter the circumference in centimetres.
Can I measure my old belt instead of my body?
For a new order, we recommend measuring your body again.
Stretchy material changes slightly with use, and the length of a belt lying flat on a table is not the same as the body circumference for which it was made.
If you already have a Miolka belt and its size fits you perfectly, you can of course mention this in the order note. However, we still recommend checking your current body circumference.
What if I want to wear the belt in different positions?
If you alternate between wearing the belt higher around your waist and lower around your hips, measure both areas for comparison.
for example:
waist: 70 cm
lower position: 77 cm
If there is a larger difference, consider where you will wear the belt most often. Enter the circumference of that area when ordering.
After measuring, select your insulin pump model
The correct circumference determines the size of the belt. But it is equally important to know which insulin pump you will carry in it.
Insulin pumps differ in size and design, so when ordering a made-to-measure Miolka belt, you also select your specific insulin pump model.
If you cannot find your pump in the available options or you are unsure which one to select, please contact us before ordering.
Quick check before ordering
Before placing your order, check that:
✓ you measured where you will actually wear the belt
✓ you stood naturally without pulling in your stomach
✓ the measuring tape was level around your body
✓ the tape was snug but not too tight
✓ you read the correct side of the measuring tape
✓ you entered the measurement in centimetres
✓ you did not add or subtract anything
That's it. ❤️ Measuring correctly only takes a few minutes and helps us make your belt as accurately as possible for your body circumference.
Choose your made-to-order insulin pump belt
Choose your pump model, belt design and fabric pattern. You provide your actual body circumference and we take care of the necessary adjustments when making your belt.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly should I measure?
Measure where you actually want to wear the belt. It does not have to be the narrowest part of your waist. Some people prefer it higher, others across the abdomen or lower around the hips.
Should I add anything to my measurement?
No. For a made-to-order Miolka belt, enter your actual measured circumference. If you measure 74 cm, enter 74 cm.
Should I pull in my stomach while measuring?
No. Stand naturally and relaxed. We need a circumference that reflects how you will normally wear the belt.
How tight should the measuring tape be?
The tape should rest lightly against your body, but it should not dig into or squeeze your skin.
Can I measure my child over clothing?
Ideally, measure directly on the body or over one thin layer. Thick clothing can increase the measured circumference.
What if I get a slightly different measurement each time?
Make sure you place the tape at the same height and with the same tension each time. Measure twice. A small difference can occur naturally because of the position of the tape or breathing.
Why should I check which side of the measuring tape I am reading?
Some measuring tapes use different units on each side or have scales running in opposite directions. For Miolka orders, we need the circumference in centimetres.
Should I measure my child again before every new order?
Yes, we recommend it, especially if some time has passed since the previous order. Children grow and their body circumference can change.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to measure carefully.
Providing the correct circumference helps us make a belt that suits the way you intend to wear it.
This article only explains how to measure your body circumference for a Miolka textile insulin pump belt. It is not a guide to using or setting up an insulin pump or to insulin pump therapy. Always use your insulin pump according to the manufacturer's instructions and the recommendations of your diabetes care team.