Insulin Pump Therapy

6.2 Diabetic ketoacidosis and insulin pump therapy

Learning Check

1. Sabina is on an insulin pump. She leaves home to meet friends for dinner and a movie. She has her insulin pump, glucose meter, test strips, glucose tablets, backup insulin vial, syringe, and infusion set.

What important items are missing from her safety kit?

A. juice

B. extra insulin pump

C. ketone testing supplies

D. insulin pen

Correct! Sabina needs ketone strips or a ketone meter. If there are ketones, she’ll need more insulin than her usual correction.

The correct answer is C. Sabina needs ketone strips or a ketone meter. If there are ketones, she’ll need more insulin than her usual correction.

2. Naveen is on an insulin pump. He hasn’t checked his blood glucose since 6 a.m. when he changed his infusion set and cannula. It’s now 11:30 a.m. Naveen feels unwell with signs of high blood glucose.

Could Naveen have or be starting to have DKA?

A. Yes, it’s possible. He needs to check his blood glucose (and ketones if his blood glucose is over 14.0 mmol/L).

B. No. DKA doesn’t happen that quickly.

Correct! It’s possible Naveen’s cannula is kinked or came unattached. For a person on insulin pump therapy, DKA can start happening in a little as 2 to 4 hours. Naveen needs to check his blood glucose(and ketones if it’s over 14.0 mmol/L).

The correct answer is A. It’s possible Naveen’s cannula is kinked or came unattached. For a person on insulin pump therapy, DKA can start happening in a little as 2 to 4 hours. Naveen needs to check his blood glucose(and ketones if it’s over 14.0 mmol/L).

Current as of: June 24, 2021

Author: Diabetes, Obesity, and Nutrition Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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