Medtronic manufactures a number of insulin pumps designed for people with diabetes to be able to easily monitor their blood sugar levels. Instead of using injections, an insulin pump can deliver the correct amount of insulin according to the patient's activity level and food intake. Insulin is delivered continuously throughout the day as needed. While the computerized pumps can provide freedom and security to diabetics, there are side effects of which the patient should be aware.
Data
When incorrect data is imputed into the computerized monitoring system, the pump can release too much insulin in the body at one time and, therefore, patients can experience low blood glucose levels. Patients must be vigilant about setting the correct basal rates into their pumps, especially when engaging in exercise or drinking alcohol. When the pump delivers too much insulin, a glucagons emergency injection must be given to the patient. People who use a pump must carry an emergency kit, just like those who use injections for their medication.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur if the patient does not enter correct data when he misses a meal or eats excessive amounts of carbohydrates. Patients must be vigilant to re-set their pumps in times of illnesses or when they take additional medication to avoid incorrect insulin dosages.
Equipment Failure
Patients may enter a state of low or high insulin levels if the tubes on the pump become kinked or bent. Tubes can come out when patients are active or are involved in an accident. The tubes from the pump also can develop a leak, which often is not noticed until the patient starts reacting and begins to feel ill. Patients who rely completely on a pump are at risk for developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and will need to rely on an injection to get back into balance. DKA is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough insulin and produces toxic acids as a result. Warning signs of DKA include confusion, cramps, blood in the urine, difficulty breathing and unconsciousness.
Interruptions
While the Medtronic insulin pump is designed to work regardless of environmental interference, it does run on radio frequency, and patients can experience interference that causes the pump to malfunction. The pump must be removed during X-rays that produce high levels of magnetism. Other interference can come from cordless phones, cell phones and wireless networks.
Lifestyle Changes
The Medtronic insulin pump frees patients from having to rely on injections two or three times a day. At the same time, doctors at the American Diabetes Association report that patients usually have to take an entire day in the hospital to be trained on how to use the pump, after which time they will be tied to the pump at all times.
