The Food and Drug Administration has just published new research on the risks of insulin pumps and teenagers. The FDA reviewed a decade of reports involving adverse events and deaths in 12 to 21-year-old type 1 diabetics utilizing insulin pumps. They found 13 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries connected with the cell-phone sized pumps which deliver insulin through a plastic tube that inserts under the skin. Some pumps malfunctioned (e.g., blocked tube) and some teens were also careless. They didn't know how to use the pump, they dropped 'em ... you get the idea, we were all teenagers once. FDA reviewers called for parent vigilance in monitoring their children's use of the pumps, as well as more research to examine safety concerns.

But my brother had an entirely different experience with the pump as an adult. He started insulin pump therapy in his late 30s after a stroke (he's had T1 since he was 13). He was seeking the best blood glucose control he could get to lessen future complications. Diligent in the pump's use and care, he religiously cleaned and changed the pump injection site per manufacturer's instructions. But his by-the-book regimen did not avoid a near death experience.

We were at my great uncle's funeral that day when my brother's major fever hit. I drove him home and took his temperature -- I'll never forget the shock as I read it was nearly 105. A few hours later at the hospital ER my brother's blood pressure dropped and his kidneys began to shut down. He was dying. Luckily, an intuitive ER doc took a guess and started treating him with antibiotics for a skin infection. He responded immediately. Turns out he had contracted a staph infection at the pump infusion site, which visually emerged on his midriff shortly after. Ever since, he's dumped the pump and is back on needles. But he sure does miss the outstanding blood glucose control he enjoyed via insulin pump therapy.

A big thanks to my brother Mark for sharing his story.