Insulin Pump Problems for Teens: FDA reports about risk of death and serious injury

The May issue of the medical journal Pediatrics contains an analysis by the FDA about teen insulin pump problems which have led to adverse events and deaths among children between 1996 and 2005. The review found at least 13 deaths and over 1,500 insulin pump injuries among children between 12 and 21 years of age. 

The problems were associated with insulin pump malfunctions, inappropriate use and carelessness by young diabetics.  Many of the injured children were found to have not been properly instructed on how to use the insulin pumps, dropped them or failed to take care of their medical devices.

Approximately 100,000 teenagers with Type 1 diabetes use insulin pumps. The popular medical devices help children with diabetes lead more normal lives, allowing them to receive the necessary amounts of insulin no matter where they are.

The small pumps can be worn on the hip or placed in a pocket. They deliver low levels of insulin continuously and higher levels after meals as controlled by user input based on the amount of carbohydrates consumed. Many families choose insulin pumps as an alternative to the multiple insulin injections which otherwise must be administered each day by syringe.

The FDA has not advised against the use of insulin pumps for teens, as they can improve the quality of life and provide better glucose control with proper use. However, the federal agency has recommended that parents pay close attention to their children’s use of insulin pumps and make sure that teens are using the pumps correctly and carefully.