CHI Blog

Carriers of a genetic mutation caused by the ABCC8 gene which can result in children with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI), can now be tested at fertility clinics in many locations around the country through a simple saliva test.  The test, made by a California company, Counsyl, actually screens for 100 different rare disorders including HI.  An article in the January 29th, 2010 New York Times describes the potential benefits as well as some possible negative consequences of widespread testing.

In evaluating the potential for this test to prevent damage caused by untimely diagnosis of HI, it is important to remember that a number of different genetic mutations are known to cause HI, and in many people, the genetic basis for HI is still not know.   The efficacy of the Counsyl test has yet to be reviewed by outside experts.   Still if the results turn out to be accurate and this test or others like it are widely used some time in the future, it could represent a great step forward for timely diagnosis and treatment of HI and other rare disorders.

Click here for the NY Times article.

Julie Raskin
V.P. Congenital Hyperinsulinism International
jraskin@congenitalhi.org

Qualitest Pharmaceuticals in Huntsville, Alabama, USA has announced a recall of 250 million insulin syringes.

If the needle becomes detached from the syringe during use, it can become stuck in the insulin vial, push back into the syringe, or remain in the skin after an injection, the company said.

Consumers who have these products should stop using them and contact the company at 800-444-4011 for more information. Adverse reactions can be reported to the Food and Drug Administration at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

HI patients taking insulin or octreotide injections.

Read the full article at Daily Finance.

Euglycemia, or a normal concentration of sugar in the blood, is an important goal for all people living with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI).  A reliable glucometer, a device that measures the concentration of glucose in the blood is an important tool helping those with HI achieve euglycemia.  One of the ongoing issues for those that use glucometers is that they are not always accurate.  According to an article in today’s New York Times, the blood sugar levels recorded by glucometers used at home differ from actual blood sugar levels, as measured by more precise devices used in some hospitals, by as much as 20%.  The errors made by glucometers in blood sugar readings may prevent people with HI from treating hypoglycemia in a timely manner.  Prompt treatment of hypoglycemia is necessary to prevent the possibility of neurological damage.  For that reason the news that the FDA may toughen standards for glucometers is welcome news.  See the attached article for all the details:

Accuracy of Home Glucose Monitors Questioned – NYTimes.com.

Thanks Julie.