Many patients suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes have turned to insulin pumps to increase their chances of a complication-free life. Diabetic patients yearn to achieve good diabetes management, while balancing the daily demands of diabetes with their other life demands.
While many patients are drawn to insulin pumps because they are convenient and closely mimic the pancreas, these palm-sized devices have begun to show their drawbacks, some of which can be deadly.
The American Diabetic Association® claims that one of the disadvantages of using an insulin pump is that it can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if the catheter comes out and the patient doesn’t get insulin for hours.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids known as ketones. Diabetic ketoacidosis develops when the body is unable to produce adequate amounts of insulin, and can lead to a number of symptoms including nausea, vomiting and ultimately hyperglycemia. If left untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis can be fatal.
On June 10, 2013, Medtronic, the manufacturer of Paradigm® Insulin Pumps issued an Urgent Medical Device Safety Notification, a letter warning Paradigm pump users and distributors of a safety concern with the inside connector of Medtronic Paradigm infusion sets.
Medtronic’s letter warned that the connector vents could be blocked by the insulin, which could lead to too much or too little insulin being delivered, which could lead to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, both of which can be life-threatening conditions that can lead to unconsciousness and death if left untreated.
Hyperglycemia (ketoacidosis) can lead to heart attack, heart disease, and death in patients with no history of heart problems, whereas hypoglycemia can cause seizures, unconsciousness, brain damage, or death.
Insulin Pump Lawsuits – Do You Have a Claim?
Our North Carolina defective product lawyers at Whitley Law Firm are now accepting claims involving defective insulin pumps. If you believe you suffered serious side effects or injury after using a defective insulin pump, or if you lost a loved one to diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemia after he or she used an insulin pump, we would like to help.
We would be glad to take a thorough look into your case to determine if you have grounds to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the defective medical device. Call today to discuss your case for free, we can be reached 24/7 at (704) 461-1621.
