Emedinews: Dr Good Dr Bad: A patient in insulin pump was taking a flight

Situation: A patient in insulin pump was taking a flight

Dr Bad: Its ok to sue the pump

Dr Good: Off the pump at landing an taking off.

 Lesson: According to a study published online Aug. 4 in the journal Diabetes Care, changes in airliner cabin pressurization during take-off and landing may affect how much insulin is delivered by an insulin pump.  Pumps should be disconnected during take-off and landing and during any flight situations in which a loss of cabin pressure results.

Dr KK Answers: What is optimal insulin dose?

June 23 in Diabetes Care.

Weight-based insulin dose up to 0.6 units per kilogram is associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia. 

ADA recommendation: 
1. provide 0.6 units/kg of subcutaneous insulin to non-ICU patients 
2. Basal-bolus insulin: low rates of hypoglycemia with doses less than or equal to 0.6 units/kg