MiniMed Insulin Pump Problems

Medtronic MiniMed insulin pumps are designed to give people with diabetes more freedom without the constant worry and pain of daily injections. While they offer convenience for users, MiniMed pumps are not without flaws. Since the MiniMed insulin pump is an electronic device that uses several separate components, problems with the electronic and mechanical aspects can occur, as can issues with the tubing that is used with the pump.

Significance

• Insulin pumps are used by people with diabetes who are not able to produce insulin on their own. Although there are several different brands of insulin pumps on the market, most operate using the same general concept. Medtronic's MiniMed pump, like others, uses a pager-like device that delivers doses of insulin to the body via a tube. One end of the tube is connected to a reservoir that holds insulin in the pump, while the other end attaches to a cannula that's inserted into the body every two to three days.

Benefits

• As insulin pump technology has evolved, so too have the benefits associated with its use. By giving periodic doses throughout the day, an insulin pump helps stabilize blood sugar levels and lower A1C test (average blood sugar over the past few months) results. In addition to helping maintain blood glucose levels, insulin pumps eliminate daily injections and allow diabetics to have more freedom as strict schedules are no longer required.

Drawbacks

• Although insulin pumps add a dimension of convenience for its users and can help lower A1C levels, pumps are not error-proof and occasionally have glitches. An insulin pump requires special training and frequent glucose monitoring (every four hours if necessary). Also, since pumps deliver a continuous basal rate of insulin, there is a risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if blood sugars are not checked as often as the doctor recommends. Costs and insurance coverage of insulin pumps are other drawbacks, depending on each individual's insurance plans.

MiniMed pump problems

• Since MiniMed insulin pumps are battery powered, it's imperative to change the battery as soon as the pump displays the "low battery" warning. If the battery is not replaced within an appropriate amount of time (usually within eight hours of the low battery warning), the pump may shut off, potentially erasing all the stored data. Other problems reported with MiniMed pumps are troubles with the rewinding mechanism; a "no delivery" warning, which indicates that the desired dose was not given; and, most recently, difficulties with the infusion set tubing, which prompted the Food and Drug Administration to declare a Class 1 recall of Lot 8 infusion sets.

Dangers of Recalled Product

• The Lot 8 MiniMed recall affected hundreds of thousands of pump users, as some of the recalled tubing caused fluctuations in the air ventilation system, which could result in the delivery of too much insulin or too little insulin. If too much insulin is administered through the faulty infusion set, the pump user could have a seizure, become unconscious and potentially die. If too little insulin is delivered, the patient could go into a coma, experience kidney problems or die.

Warning

• If you are experiencing problems with your insulin pump and your blood sugar is out of control, see your doctor immediately. Discontinue using any Lot 8 infusion sets you may have, and follow the appropriate steps to replace them. Always consults a doctor if you are experiencing abnormal fluctuations in your blood glucose levels.