The broken pen penalty

Diabetes Technol Ther. 2010 Mar;12(3):241-3. doi: 10.1089/dia.2009.0132.

Abstract

Insulin pen devices have revolutionized the self-management of diabetes. Prefilled insulin pens are preferred by healthcare providers and patients because of ease-of-use, dosage flexibility, disposability, and widespread availability. However, like any mechanical device, these pens have the potential for mechanical malfunction. We are present a case in which glycemic control deteriorated because of a malfunction of an insulin pen. The possibility of insulin pen malfunction needs to be considered in addition to other factors in patients who present with acute deterioration of glycemic control.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Equipment Failure*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / diagnosis
  • Hyperglycemia / etiology*
  • Insulin / administration & dosage
  • Insulin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Insulin Aspart
  • Insulin Glargine
  • Insulin, Long-Acting
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Administration / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Insulin, Long-Acting
  • Insulin Glargine
  • Insulin Aspart