Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

BASAL-BOLUS INSULIN THERAPY | 12-46

Disadvantages/risks

• Frequent injections. • May be more hypoglycemia.

• Greater risk of DKA if insulin flow interrupted. • Risk of site infection or contact dermatitis. • The FDA issued an alert in May 2008, detailing the increased number of adverse events occurring in adolescent pump users between 1996 and 2005. 1,594 events, including 13

deaths reported during this time: o <100 events/year 1997–2000. o Then increased, with 499 in 2005 (31% total).

o 65.1% involved injury.

o 61.9% involved hyperglycemia.

o 10.5% involved hypoglycemia.

● The report stressed that the data was incomplete, and possibly inaccurate, with no comparison to other insulin-delivery systems or other age groups. However, there is a growing trend towards injury, which may be attributed to a lack of education and risk-taking behaviours, and possible suicide attempts, in this age group. The need for ongoing support is emphasized.