Posted on May 6, 2008 in Latest News
Insulin pumps are commonly used by teens with type 1 diabetes world wide. The use of these devices can pose dangers and have been associated with injuries and even deaths, reports a FDA study.
Researchers from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not warn against the use of these devices, but they emphasized for more study to address safety concerns of the devices in younger children and teens who use them.
The use of insulin devices over a decade caused 13 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries in teens, reported the study authors. They said that teens’ careless use, ignorant about how to use and malfunctioning of the devices are the factors responsible for this cause. It is also found that there were two possible suicide attempts by teens who pumped themselves too much.
The researchers said that parents need to be vigilant in watching their children’s use of the pumps as Dr. Judith Cope, lead author of the analysis, said that:
“Parental oversight and involvement are important. Certainly teenagers don’t always consider the consequences.”
Some doctors advise the use of insulin injections over using insulin pumps. Dr Christina Luedke of Children’s Hospital Boston said that:
“Without appropriate glucose monitoring, the pumps can increase the risk of getting sick more quickly compared to injections.”
However adding to it she said that: “Proper use makes life more bearable and can improve glucose control.”
It is reported that problems related to the device use such as a blocked tube can quickly lead to dangerous episodes of high blood sugar. So, it is suggested that teens who use these devices should be aware of its proper use along with managing their blood glucose levels correctly.
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