Diabetes Disaster Averted #24: A Common Error with Insulin Pumps

noted when he went to the cannula fill amount — I noticed the default fill amount came up as over 5 units when the actual fill amount needed was only 0.3 units for his 6 mm infusion set. It was unclear as to when the fill amount might have been entered or changed but the error and “overfilling/overdosing” of insulin could have been going on for some time.

When working with pump patients, always check the cannula fill amount. I also find that patients who have changed infusion sets may still be using the fill amount from their previous type of set.  Depending on the new infusion set, the fill amount may change and should be changed in their insulin pump as well.

For the complete list of Diabetes Disasters Averted, just follow this link.