Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Continuous s.c. insulin infusion delivered via insulin pump has enabled patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 to improve metabolic control and lead healthier lives¹. However some patients are experiencing problems with their pumps.

Aim and methods: A service review was carried out to look at the incidence of pump related problems using an online questionnaire survey.

Results: The response rate was 85% for the survey. 42 out of 85 (49.4%) children and young people are currently using insulin pumps. Different brands of insulin pumps are being used (Roche Combo, Medtronic and Animas vibe). 20 patients (56%) experienced some sort of problem with their pumps at some point. 16 patients (44%) did not experience any problem. 17 patients (85%) who had experienced problems with pumps contacted the pump company help line and found it helpful. The main problem was insulin administration failure/error (29.6%). Others were complete pump failure, battery and screen issues, bubble in tube and operational errors. Pump problems led to no clinical problems in majority but did lead to diabetic ketoacidosis on 4 occasions, hyperglycaemia in 5 cases and hypoglycaemia once which needed hospitalisation.

Conclusion: Insulin administration failure/error was the main problem reported by majority of our patients/parents. Most of our patients/parents found insulin pump company advice helpline is very useful.

Reference: Michaud S & Geoffroy L. Malfunction of insulin pumps in children with diabetes mellitus type 1. Pediatr Diab 2012 13 (114–115) 1399–543X.