Evaluating insulin pump functionality during ionising radiation exposure

Abstract Concerns exist about the safety of ionising radiation on the components of insulin pumps and whether these will induce electronic failure or dysfunction. We therefore subjected six insulin pumps to two radiation exposure protocols; firstly in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory and subsequently computerised tomography scanning. The pumps were downloaded and functionality was monitored for four weeks after exposure. All pumps continued to work appropriately with no demonstrated loss of functionality, loss of bolus or basal delivery and no evidence of pump failure. Due to the nature of the method of this study we were unable to assess the accuracy of insulin dosing. From our experience the probability of pump dysfunction being caused by radiation exposure seems unlikely but we would recommend close monitoring of blood glucose measurements before and after scanning. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Source: Practical Diabetes - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Tags: Original article Source Type: research