The use of insulin pumps has been associated with various complications, including infection at the skin infusion site and ketoacidosis as a result of pump malfunction [1]. Two deaths have been directly attributed to use of insulin pumps in one study, but the use of this device was not associated with excess mortality [2]. It has also been suggested that electromagnetic radiation, such as that emitted from cellular telephones, can adversely affect some insulin pump delivery systems [3].

A 49-year-old woman with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus reported malfunction of her insulin pump after visiting a museum of science. She had been wearing the same continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion system for 2 years without any mishaps. On the day of the incident, the patient was visiting a museum of science with a friend. Both women were standing on an insulated base when the patient's friend touched the head of an active Van de Graaff generator. The patient touched her friend on the shoulder and did not immediately experience any ill effects. Within a minute she received a "no insulin delivery" alarm on her insulin pump. The pump malfunction persisted even after the infusion tubing and catheter insertion site were changed. The patient switched to conventional insulin therapy and returned the insulin pump to the manufacturer. Inspection of the device revealed failure of a capacitor on the motherboard.

We think that the insulin pump malfunction in this case was probably due to electrostatic discharge from the generator. We suggest that patients who use insulin pumps be warned to avoid similar types of exposures. Museums of science should post notices to warn patients who wear such devices about the risks associated with exposure to electrostatic charges.