Medtronic Insulin Pump Cybersecurity Flaw

Cybersecurity flaw

UNITED STATES – According to an online news article published by www.healthcarepackaging.com, Medtronic has recalled MiniMed insulin pumps after learning of potential cybersecurity risks.

Medtronic, a manufacturer of insulin pumps, has issued a recall of its MiniMed 508 and MiniMed Paradigm insulin pumps, citing concerns about hacking and other cybersecurity risks.  According to Medtronic and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the MiniMed insulin pumps were not adequately protected from third-party infiltration.

The MiniMed insulin pumps are electronic devices that can be adjusted remotely.  Some reports indicate that a person was able to penetrate a MiniMed insulin pump, demonstrating that if a person can access the insulin pump remotely, that person may have the ability to adjust the amount of insulin a patient receives.  Insulin must be heavily controlled in patients with diabetes.  Therefore, too little or too much insulin could have negative health consequences for patients that may be fatal.

If a patient receives too much insulin, he or she may become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar).  The symptoms of hypoglycemia include, but may not be limited to, the following: excessive sweating, excessive hunger, shakiness, fatigue, lightheadedness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, headache, irritability, and heart palpitations.

If a patient receives too little insulin, he or she may become hyperglycemic (high blood sugar), which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).  The symptoms of hyperglycemia include, but may not be limited to, the following: increased thirst, headache, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision, fatigue, weight loss, and a blood sugar level of more than 180mg/dL.  The symptoms of DKA include, among others, the following: thirst, frequent urination, nausea, loss of appetite, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, mental confusion, blurred vision, weakness, and fruity-scented breath.

Medtronic is not able to update the MiniMed insulin pumps to ensure they are adequately protected from cybersecurity risks.  As such, Medtronic is providing alternative insulin pumps to patients that are safer from cybersecurity risks.