Medtronic alerts of problems with insulin pumps

Medtronic is alerting customers to two problems with its insulin pumps.

One problem pertains to a disposable tube that connects pumps to patients' bodies. The company is reminding customers they must keep the inside of the tubing connector dry. Otherwise, too much or too little insulin may be delivered, causing low or high blood sugar levels. The action is categorized as a class-1 recall, the highest FDA warning level, because abnormal blood sugar levels for diabetics can cause serious health problems or death.

Medtronic spokeswoman Amanda Sheldon also says some insulin reservoirs for pumps may leak.

"If the reservoir is leaking, it could result in an under-delivery of insulin, which could result in high blood sugar," Sheldon said.

Sheldon said no deaths have been associated with the issues but some people may have been hospitalized.

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