More recently, in June 2009, Medtronic discovered an air pressure problem in the tubing used for the Paradigm insulin pumps. This issue could result in the Paradigm device delivering too much or too little insulin, leading to serious injury or even death in diabetics using the Paradigm device. Shortly after, in July 2009, Medtronic announced the defect and voluntarily recalled approximately 60,000 tubes that could have been affected by the manufacturing problem. The defective tubes had reference numbers MMT-396, MMT-397, MMT-398, and MMT-399, and lot numbers beginning with the number 8.

Side effects for a diabetic patient receiving too much or too little insulin can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Common side effects include hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), fainting or unconsciousness, seizures, stroke, diabetic comas, heart attacks, and potentially death if the patient’s reaction is severe enough and he or she does not receive prompt treatment.