Urgent Field Safety Notice regarding Medtronic 640 and 780 insulin pumps (Medtronic Reference FA1446)

Medtronic have informed us that recent testing on the Medtronic pump has shown that changes in atmospheric pressure (associated with taking off and landing when travelling by plane) can sometimes cause unintended insulin delivery. You should have received communication directly from Medtronic.

• When air pressure decreases (e.g., during flight take-off), more insulin may be released than expected. Additionally, unintended insulin may be released even if the pump’s delivery is suspended or programmed to zero units per hour. This could lead to hypoglycaemia.
• When air pressure increases (e.g., during landing), less insulin may be released than expected, potentially leading to hypoglycaemia. The unintended insulin may be released even if the pump’s delivery is suspended or programmed to zero units per hour.
• Children on lower total daily insulin doses (and high insulin sensitivity) may experience greater changes in glucose during changes in air pressure than individuals with higher insulin doses and/or lower insulin sensitivity.

We advise that you monitor glucose levels during dynamic atmospheric pressure conditions – such as flight take-off and landing, as insulin delivery volume accuracy may be impacted. 

Please contact us if you would like to discuss strategies to manage this.