Improper use of insulin pumps worse than device defects
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After reviewing tens of thousands of health problems in diabetes patients using insulin pumps over a period of three years, a U.S. government advisory panel said on Friday that the health problems resulted more likely from improper use than product defects.
About 375,000 patients with type 1 diabetes used insulin pumps in 2007, Reuters reported citing the FDA data. But in recent years, various makers have recalled insulin pumps for a range of problems from inadequate labeling to battery disconnection that can shut the pump off without prior warning.
The FDA was concerned and asked the panelists to propose ways to minimize the risks. But Reuters cited the panel chairman William Jarvis, a doctor in South Carolina as saying that if a diabetic has been educated and has their insulin in hand, there will be little if any risks.
The makers of insulin pumps Medtronic Inc, Roche Holding AG and Johnson & Johnson have been reportedly working hard to provide diabetes patients with education on how to use their products.
By Jimmy Downs and editing by Denise Reynolds
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