Noticeboard

Kia ora koutou,

You will be aware of the supply chain shortage of TruSteel Infusion Sets. This is having a real-life impact for many of our whānau on Tandem insulin pumps not being able to access their infusion sets. We have been in discussions with Pharmac about the challenges this presents to clinicians and whānau with diabetes. 

At this time, NZSSD and Mahitahi Matehuka are strongly recommending that the following groups are prioritised for TruSteel infusion sets:

-         Children

-         Previous recurrent failures with Autosoft infusion sets

-         No previous trial of Autosoft infusion sets but high risk of infusion set failure including:

o   Allergy to teflon

o   Significant lipohypertrophy/scar tissue at insertion sites

o   Pregnancy

o   Significant physical activity

Most people currently using TruSteel infusion sets will likely be suitable for switching to Autosoft infusion sets, but this has often not been previously discussed. A reminder that NZMS has put out resources (attached and below) for the AutoSoft infusion sets and we do recommend referring to these and passing them onto our whānau using Tandem insulin pumps as well. 

-         https://youtu.be/mly1nTqVEHc

-         Autosoft 90 Quick Reference (attached)

Other recommendations for prescribers and clinicians are:

-         Consider only doing three-month prescriptions for TruSteel infusion sets so as not to set up competition and potential misuse of prescriptions

-         Ensure all people using TruSteel infusion sets have a backup plan with necessary supplies to return to multiple daily injections of insulin in case they cannot access infusion sets

-         Starting new Tandem users on Autosoft infusion sets if suitable from the outset of pump therapy

We recognise that changing infusion sets can be upsetting for many people and does require additional clinical input. But there is no foreseeable end to the worldwide TruSteel shortage and it is important we maintain as many people on automated insulin delivery as possible.  We will continue to provide regular updates as the TruSteel infusion set shortage remains a dynamic situation.

Ngaa mihi nui

Jo and Ryan

Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)

Consultant Clinical Psychologist |Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro

President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz

Dr Ryan Paul(he/him/ia)

Ngāti Maru, Hauraki

Endocrinologist|Associate Professor of Medicine University of Waikato

Co-Chair Mahitahi Matehuka (National Diabetes Network)

ryan.paul@tewhatuora.govt.nz