Medtronic Recalls Diabetes Infusion Sets For Overdose Risk

Medtronic Recalls Diabetes Infusion Sets for Overdose Risk

1 in 2 million sets susceptible to excess insulin delivery
Company to replace sets at no cost; no financial details given
Medtronic Plc is recalling a disposable device used with the company’s insulin pumps, after discovering that the part can trigger an excessive dose of the drug and put patients at risk of hypoglycemia.
About one in every two million infusion sets manufactured before April may be associated with the complication, which occurs when a membrane that’s used to release pressure from inside the pump gets wet and blocks the vents, said Francine Kaufman, chief medical officer of Medtronic’s diabetes group. The risk of an excessive insulin dose is greatest right after the patient changes the infusion set, which is done every three days, she said.
“Shortly after that change, the patient could experience insulin over-delivery,” she said in a telephone interview.
There haven’t been any deaths associated with the flaw, Kaufman said. Most patients who had a problem were aware that their blood sugar had gone too low and were able to treat the condition. Others called an ambulance, went to the hospital or saw their doctors, she said.
For patients with an infusion set that is in and working, nothing needs to be done, said Annette Bruls, president of Medtronic’s diabetes service and solutions business. Medtronic says it has fixed the problem and patients can use the devices that were made from April on.
Medtronic, based in Dublin and run from Minneapolis, said the majority of the cost from the recall is expected to be incurred in the second quarter of the com Continue reading

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The Surprising Link Between Your Sleep and Gestational Diabetes

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Quick Read
Not sleeping enough may contribute to gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy, carries significant risks for both moms and babies.
A new study shows that pregnant women who sleep less are more likely to have gestational diabetes.
Sleep in pregnancy is challenging. Good eating habits, exercise and avoiding screen time before bedtime can all help, as can making sleep a priority.
Pregnancy is hard work—and it’s definitely not always comfortable. The hours are long, you may have heartburn and hemorrhoids and be sick to your stomach.
Meanwhile—surprise!—you’re getting bigger everywhere you look, sometimes even your feet.
Your body is flooded with hormones. Add that to your changing emotional landscape and it’s no wonder you’re having trouble sleeping.
Unfortunately, the results of a recent study suggest that pregnant women who sleep less than 6 hours and 15 minutes a night are almost three times more likely to have gestational diabetes as those who sleep more.
What is gestational diabetes?
Even if you’re a healthy mom-to-be doing everything right, you can still develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Like diabetes itself, gestational diabetes is elevated levels of blood sugar, specifically during pregnancy, says Vishesh Kapur, M.D., M.P.H., founder of the Sleep Medicine Center at Harborview.
When you’re pregnant, you are at the mercy of your hormones. Progesterone, a hormone produced by your placenta, helps make sure that baby gets all the nutrients needed to grow, says Continue reading

New type 2 diabetes treatment 'easier, cheaper' option

About 20,000 Australians suffering type 2 diabetes will be able to swap twice daily injections for a weekly treatment, and save around $1,600 per year under a new medicine to be placed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley announced the new diabetes treatment Exanatide will be subsidised under the PBS from September 1, along with an extra $70 million investment in the scheme for a cervical cancer drug and a treatment for a rare growth disease.
"This is easier, it's cheaper and most importantly for people with type 2 diabetes, up to 20,000 who can benefit from this treatment, it will avoid long term complications," Ms Ley said.
"Unfortunately Australia has a very high rate of diabetic amputations, all of which are avoidable.
"This is part of our government's commitment to listing medicines without fear or favour on the PBS, once advised by our expert committees."
The national peak body for diabetes has welcomed the listing.
"What it means is for a lot of people living with type 2 diabetes they have several injections a day and this will actually reduce that to once a week," the association's Renza Scibilia said.
"It's an absolutely huge improvement to quality of life, to ease of treatment as well, and we know that means people are more likely to be using the treatment as it is prescribed by their healthcare professional."
Women not responding to cervical cancer treatment will have access to the drug Avastin, which will cost the Government $60 million to list on the PBS.
The Health Minister said it would greatly ease the financial imp Continue reading

Theresa May reveals all about living with diabetes – but vows not to let it hold her back as Prime Minister

THERESA MAY has opened up about living with diabetes - but vowed not to let it hold her back in life.
The Prime Minister revealed yesterday she has to inject herself with insulin up to five times a day.
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PA:Press Association
She told ITV's Robert Peston during a Facebook live interview that fellow sufferers should not allow the illness to hold them back.
Following her diagnosis in 2012, the PM's type one diabetes means she has to keep a constant track of the glucose levels in her blood.
She was asked about her own experience by a fellow diabetic yesterday.
PA:Press Association
PA:Press Association
Mrs May said: "I am a type one diabetic. That means when I eat, I have to inject insulin, which I do.
"I will be injecting myself four or five times a day... You just get into a routine.
"You depend on that insulin and you just build that routine into your daily life. The crucial thing to me is being a diabetic doesn't stop you from doing anything."
But the interview was hijacked by a question from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
He posted on Facebook to ask why the PM is refusing to take part on a TV debate with him.
The first seven-way leaders debate - which is due to take place on Thursday - will feature senior spokespeople from the main political parties.
Mr Petson read out: "Hello Theresa May, as Prime Minister you've served your elite friends by giving them tax cuts when wages have stagnated, house-building is at its lowest since the 1920s, there are 20,000 fewer police on our streets since 2010 and the NHS is in crisis.
"Do you not think the British people deserve Continue reading

JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity

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One day, we will create a world without type 1 diabetes. Until that day, your support is vital for our world-class research, improving treatments until we find the cure
We fund research that will cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes and its complications.
We focus on investing in research that will transform the lives of people with type 1 diabetes – improving treatments today until we find the cure.
This mission cannot be carried out in isolation, so we work with partner organisations to make sure we can change life with type 1 diabetes for the better as quickly as possible. But our most important partner is you – whether you help to fund the research, join a clinical trial or campaign for access to the new treatments that research delivers you are a vital member of our team.
Search or browse through summaries of JDRF-funded research projects from around the world here.
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Discover how we're working to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes Continue reading