Diabetics nationwide depend on insulin pumps to maintain their blood sugar and keep them healthy. Diabetic’s must test and maintain their blood sugar constantly and while some diabetics still use standard treatment methods including shots several times a day, many have converted to the insulin pump. The pump works better for many diabetics because it uses fast acting insulin, the insulin delivery is continuous and accurate (much more like your body’s natural method), you can eat, not eat, exercise or not exercise when you want and you can live a more normal life. Generally, diabetics who use an insulin pump can maintain a much lower average blood sugar level which means a giant reduction in long term diabetic diseases which affect the kidneys, eyes and nerves.
Essentially, the insulin pump is about the size of a pager and it rests out of your body, while a tiny tube, or cannula, is inserted into the body to deliver the insulin. Most people choose to have their pump attached to their abdomen (upper or lower) because it’s out of the way. Once in place, there is a quick release from the pump for showers and other activities that could make the pump cumbersome. The pump, provided there is no issue with the tubing, consistently delivers insulin to the wearer and the only maintenance your pump should need is changing the batteries about every eight weeks.
In May of 2004, Medtronic recalled a number of their Minimed insulin pumps because there was a problem with the tubing. The recall applied to the following models of the Paradigm Quick-Set Plus by Medtronic, the MMT-359S6, the MMT-359S9, the MMT-359L6 and MMT-359L9. Over 200 victims of this medical device malfunction ended up in the hospital with high levels of blood sugar because their Medtronic Minimed insulin pump could not deliver the insulin into their bodies. There were two common complaints about the Minimed pump: 1.The set’s cannula would bend, interrupting flow of the insulin and 2. The tubing would disconnect from the site and stop delivering insulin. In either instance, the diabetic using the Medtronic Minimed insulin pump could not be immediately aware of the problem which therefore posed a significant health risk.
The recall itself was deemed a Class I recall, the most serious offered, and Medtronic offered all patients replacement tubing at no cost to them. Ultimately, because this was a flaw in the product, those individuals that were injured as a result may have a claim against Medtronic and should consider a product liability lawsuit or a medical device malfunction lawsuit over the defect in the Medtronic Minimed insulin pump.
If you have been injured or experienced long term health problems as a result of the Minimed diabetic insulin pump, you should seriously consider contacting an attorney as soon as possible. Depending on your case, you could be entitled to compensation to cover your medical costs, to compensate you for pain and suffering and to cover lost pay. Find a qualified medical device defect attorney who also knows about medical malpractice and get advice today.