Troubleshooting Unexplained Hyperglycemia

Diabetes care and education specialists must be prepared to troubleshoot all aspects of insulin pump therapy and assist individuals when unexplained hyperglycemia occurs. In one randomized controlled trial involving several hundred insulin pump users, more than two-thirds experienced unexplained hyperglycemia at least once per month. Sources of unexplained hyperglycemia may be of a mechanical, behavioral or physiologic/metabolic nature. 

Given the multitude of factors that influence glycaemia, it is imperative that clinicians and people with diabetes develop effective problem-solving skills for detection, prevention and treatment of problems arising from continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Following a step-by-step troubleshooting process can help prevent rapid deterioration of glucose management and avoid unnecessary/ineffective corrective measures. 

TROUBLESHOOTING UNEXPLAINED HYPERGLYCEMIA, Consideration, Causes & Actions 

Consideration #1: Verify that the pump is delivering insulin into the body

Possible Causes: Interruption of insulin delivery 

Possible Causes: Insulin spoilage 

Inquire about storage of the insulin vial currently being used. Exposure to elevated temperatures can result in partial or complete degradation. Exposure of the pump/tubing to high temperatures or direct sunlight can cause similar problems. Were there circumstances (e.g., travel, beach, spa, items left in hot car) that could have exposed insulin to extreme temperatures?  

If in doubt, suggest replacement of the insulin vial and/or changing the pump’s insulin cartridge and tubing. Educate the individual and caretakers on safe insulin storage. 

Consideration #2: Verify that the pump is delivering insulin into the body.  

Possible Causes: Incorrect insulin being used 

Corrective/Preventative Action: Verify that the pump’s cartridge was filled with rapid-acting insulin, and not intermediate or long-acting/basal insulin. 

Possible Causes: Pump settings are incorrect  

Corrective/Preventative Action: Check the pump’s clock as well as basal and bolus calculation settings to ensure accuracy.  

Possible Causes: Infusion set displacement 

Corrective/Preventative Action: Even if taped to the skin, it is possible for the infusion set to displace. Examine the site for loose tape and moisture and see if an insulin “smell” is present. Change infusion set if displacement is detected or suspected. 

Consideration #3: Consider physiologic implications 

Possible Causes: Menstrual cycle.  

Corrective/Preventative Action: For several days prior to menses, many women experience elevated glucose levels. Consider using a secondary basal pattern until menstruation occurs. 

Possible Causes:  Illness/infection/injury  

Assess overall health status; refer to primary physician if symptoms of illness are present. Consider use of temporary basal increase until symptoms diminish. 

Possible Causes: New medication 

Corrective/Preventative Action: Inquire about recent use of steroid medications / injections, elimination (or missed dose) of non-insulin diabetes medication, or the addition (or dose increase) of other medications that can raise glucose levels.  

Possible Causes: Recent hypoglycemia  

Corrective/Preventative Action: Elevated glucose could be the result of counterregulatory hormone production (“rebound”) or overtreatment of the low. Educate on proper treatment of hypoglycemia. 

Consideration #4: Assess lifestyle changes 

Possible Causes: Changes in eating patterns (higher fat foods, more frequent eating, larger portions) 

Corrective/Preventative Action: Adjust/educate as indicated.

Possible Causes: Increased stress 

Corrective/Preventative Action:  Discuss stress management techniques. Refer for mental health counseling. Consider insulin adjustment (temporary basal increase) when stress is anticipated.  

Possible Causes: Decrease in physical activity  

Corrective/Preventative Action: A reduction in insulin sensitivity may be causing a marked glucose elevation. Discuss resuming normal activities or making adjustments to insulin doses until normal activity can resume.  

Possible Causes: Anaerobic/competitive activities  

Corrective/Preventative Action: Production of counterregulatory hormones during some forms of exercise can cause an acute rise in blood glucose. Supplementary insulin may be needed to prevent the rise.  

Possible Causes: Changes in sleep cycle  

Corrective/Preventative Action: Sleep deprivation may increase counterregulatory hormone production. Excessive sleep can impair insulin sensitivity. Refer to a sleep specialist; consider use of a secondary basal program until the problem is resolved. 

Consideration #5: Screen for other sources of hyperglycemia 

Possible Causes: Under-bolus (or missed bolus) for food 

Corrective/Preventative Action: Evaluate carbohydrate content of recent meals/snacks. Evaluate/adjust bolus dose calculation formulas. Check pump history to confirm delivery of proper doses. (Re)Educate on carb counting technique, importance of bolusing for all meals/ snacks, and proper bolus timing in relation to meals. 

Under-bolus (or missed bolus) for food (continued). Unexpected/delayed glucose rises can occur in individuals with gastroparesis and following consumption of high-fat meals. Large amounts of dietary protein (or protein consumed in the absence of carbohydrate) can also contribute to an unexpected glucose rise.  

Possible Causes: Glucose meter inaccuracy  

Corrective/Preventative Action: Verify that fingers were clean, proper testing procedures were followed, test strips were stored properly and are within the expiration date. Use control solution to confirm meter accuracy. Replace meter and strips if outside of reference range. 

Consideration #6: Recurrent infusion set/site issues require prompt attention and correction Some, but not all, are preventable through proper training/education. 

Possible Causes: Bleeding  

Corrective/Preventative Action: Mild, temporary bleeding at infusion sites may occur periodically. It is not typically dangerous, but it may result in malabsorption of insulin or clogging of the cannula.  

At the first sign of blood at the infusion site or in the tubing, the individual should be instructed to change the infusion set and move to a new site. If certain body parts or sites are more prone to bleeding, people with diabetes should be advised to avoid these areas.  

Possible Causes: Highs after site changes 

Corrective/Preventative Action If elevations in glucose occurs on a routine basis following infusion set changes, these strategies may help:  

1. Change the infusion set prior to a meal and administer a full meal bolus soon after changing the set.  

2. Ensure both tubing and catheter have been fully primed with each infusion set change.  

3. Consider an extra small bolus once the new infusion set is in place.  

4. Keep the old set on the skin for an hour or two to prevent leakage of recently administered insulin. 

Possible Causes: Discomfort  

Corrective/Preventative Action: For those who experience significant discomfort when inserting their infusion set, a number of options are available:  

For those who often experience prolonged pain after the infusion set has been inserted, relief can come from use of a short, flexible catheter (rather than a steel needle or longer cannula) and avoiding sites that are susceptible to frequent movement or trauma. 

Possible Causes: Frequent occlusions  

Corrective/Preventative Action: If occlusion alarms occur more than once per month, it is possible that the pump’s pressure sensor is malfunctioning. Contact the pump manufacturer to troubleshoot. If the pump is functioning properly, consider the following:  

Corrective/Preventative Action: Flexible catheters may bend below the skin if the infusion set is hit/pressed or if the cannula makes contact with flexing muscles. A bent cannula may or may not impede insulin flow, but it will almost always result in skin irritation which, in turn can impair insulin absorption.