User guide

Diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA)
DKA results from untreated hyperglycemia. DKA is a serious medical problem that needs treatment right
away. The insulin pump therapy uses only fast-acting insulin, so DKA can occur rapidly if insulin delivery is
disrupted. It is important that you understand these guidelines.
Preventing DKA
If you have nausea or vomiting, immediately check your blood glucose and ketones. If your blood glucose is
above 13.9 mmol/L (250 mg/dL)and/or ketones are present:
• Take an injection of fast-acting or regular-acting insulin with a syringe (not through the pump). The
amount should be the same as if you were taking a correction bolus. If ketones are present, more insulin
may be needed. Contact your healthcare professional for guidelines for insulin doses especially when
ketones are present.
• Change the entire infusion set system (new reservoir, infusion set, and cannula). Consider changing the
insulin vial if you believe that the insulin is no longer stable.
• Call your healthcare professional.
• Troubleshoot the pump. If you need help, please refer to the Medtronic Diabetes International Contacts
list at the beginning of this user guide for your local representative.
• Drink liquids with no calories every 30 minutes (for example: 240 mL diet ginger ale, broth, water).
• Check your blood glucose and ketones in one hour.
• Continue to take insulin as discussed with your healthcare professional.
• Call your healthcare professional right away if your blood glucose and ketones are not decreasing, or
you cannot drink fluids.
• Continue to test blood glucose and ketones. Continue to take correction insulin injections as told until
your blood glucose reaches your target level.
• If your blood glucose is less than 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) and ketones are present, drink liquids with
calories. Some examples of caloric fluids are juice and non-diet soda. Also, extra insulin may be needed.
Contact your healthcare professional for guidelines for insulin doses when ketones are present.
Tip: You should have a meter, glucose strips, and ketones strips handy at all times. This way you are always
ready to test your blood glucose and ketones.
Introduction to pump therapy 17
Chapter 2