Dealing with high glucose levels; ABCC (insulin pumps)

This information is for children and young people with type 1 diabetes, and their families, on how to manage high glucose levels when using an insulin pump.

If you are using a hybrid closed loop system (HCL) please use ‘Dealing with high glucose levels ABCC (hybrid closed loop systems)’

A - ASSESS

Is the pump running? Is there insulin in the pump?

Check the pump, infusion set and cannula for any issues, alerts or alarms

Has a bolus of insulin been delivered in the past 90 minutes

B - BOLUS

Give a correction dose of insulin, via the pump, using the bolus calculator

If no bolus advised - recheck in one hour and then give a correction if advised by the bolus calculator

C - CHECK IN 1 HOUR

Check glucose level one hour after this bolus has been given

If glucose level is lower than the previous value or the sensor arrow is showing that the glucose is decreasing, no further action is required

C - CHANGE

If after 1 hour, glucose level is the same as or higher than the previous value use the bolus calculator in your pump to calculate a correction dose of fast acting insulin and give pen injection.

Change the infusion set/POD

Check blood ketones again. If blood ketones are 0.6mmol/L follow the 'sick day rules'

Contact Details:

Emergency mobile: 07940 476811

Email: uclh.cdlime@nhs.net or uclh.cdorange@nhs.net

Further information and fact sheets can be found on our Children and Young People’s Diabetes web page at www.uclh.nhs.uk/T1