Diabetes pro-tip: Insulin pump failures

If your child relies on an insulin pump to manage their Type 1 diabetes (T1D), it's crucial to know what steps to take if a pump fails. While these devices are generally reliable, they're not foolproof. Here are some tips to help you navigate this challenging situation.

Keep a record of pump settings

Your child's insulin pump settings are tailored to their specific needs. Having these settings documented and readily available can make all the difference in an emergency.

During each clinic visit, take note of any changes made to the pump settings. Don’t rely on the settings being discoverable in the pump itself. Keep a written copy of settings like basal rates, bolus calculations and alarm configurations. Having these settings on hand can also help you quickly transition to manual injections, if needed.

Contact your pump company

In the event of a pump failure, call your insulin pump company right away. They can usually send a replacement within 24 to 48 hours. Switch to manual injections using long-acting insulin, such as insulin glargine (Lantus), until the new pump arrives. Ideally, keep a vial or pen of long-acting insulin available. Know where your closest 24-hour pharmacy is and how to contact them in case you don’t have long-acting insulin at home.

Monitor for ketones

A failed insulin pump is a risk for a child going into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Always have supplies to monitor a child’s urine or blood ketone levels if their pump fails and prepare to enact sick day protocols if ketones are present.

Transitioning to a new pump

Switching back to pump therapy requires careful timing to avoid complications. Usually, you’ll want to wait 24 hours after the last manual dose of long-acting insulin before starting the new pump. Use the settings you've written down to program the new pump and don't hesitate to call the pump company for assistance, if needed.

Stay in touch with us!

Our team is always available to guide you through these steps if necessary. A little advance planning can go a long way in minimizing any distress should an issue ever arise. While the thought of your child's insulin pump failing can be intimidating, being prepared and knowing what steps to take can make all the difference. Remember, you're not alone - our team is always here to support you.