Urgent diabetes warning as some insulin pumps found to give WRONG dose

DIABETICS have been urged to check their insulin pumps for cracks before use to avoid getting the incorrect dosage, regulators warn.

Some patients have not received enough insulin, resulting in severely high blood sugar levels.

Others have suffered diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – a serious complication of diabetes when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a national patient safety alert for the NovoRapid PumpCart.

The warning extends to the insulin cartridge and the Roche Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump.

A wrong dosages can result in DKA which can be life threatening if it's not found and treated quickly.

Symptoms of this include passing out, tummy pain, feeling thirsty and breath that smells fruity.

DKA is a medical emergency and you should always seek professional help.

Medics have issued the warning amid concerns about cracked cartridges, which have resulted in insulin leaks.

Insulin in the right dose is essential for people living with diabetes, with most people who suffer from type 1 of the condition being dependent on it.

MHRA chief executive Dr June Raine said that for many patients with diabetes, insulin pumps are an important method of treatment.

For type 1 diabetics, their blood sugar levels are too high because your pancreas does not produce enough insulin.

It's important that these are managed as over time, high blood sugar levels can result in damage to your heart, eyes, feet and kidneys.

Dr Raine said: “Because of the rare risk of insulin leakage from the Roche Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump, patients should check the pre-filled glass insulin cartridge for any cracks prior to usage.

“We would like to reassure patients that risk of leakage remains low when used in accordance with instructions and today’s safety recommendations.

“Patients should continue to use their insulin pump as recommended whilst they await contact from their healthcare professional regarding an alternative device.

“If you suspect a problem with your insulin pump, please seek medical advice immediately.”

In some of the leaks reported, cartridges were cracked - meaning patients weren't getting enough insulin.

Patients have been told to check the pumps before use and if they smell insulin, this would suggest the product has leaked.

If you find your device is leaking then don't use it, medics say.

The experts said you should check the pump during the day and then before going to sleep.

Most diabetics use monitors to check their glucose levels throughout the day, but you should stay on top of this as failure of delivery may not result in an alert notification.