Diabetes camp rochester ny. Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp: 100 Years of Accessible Summer Fun for Children with Disabilities

What is Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp. How long has it been serving children with disabilities. What unique experiences does the camp offer. How many campers attend each summer. Where is the camp located. What upcoming events are planned for the camp’s centennial celebration.

The History and Mission of Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp has been providing unforgettable summer experiences for children with disabilities for an entire century. Founded in 1922, this fully accessible residential summer camp has grown from serving 60 children in its first year to hosting over 2,500 campers each summer. The camp’s mission is to give children with paralysis, physical challenges, and other special needs the opportunity to enjoy a barrier-free camping experience.

Originally located on 23 acres near Durand-Eastman Park, the camp relocated in 1974 to its current 157-acre site in Rush, New York. This move allowed the camp to expand its facilities and accommodate more campers. Throughout its 100-year history, Sunshine Camp has remained committed to creating an inclusive environment where children of all abilities can participate in summer camp activities and make lasting memories.

Unique Facilities and Activities at Sunshine Camp

What sets Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp apart from other summer camps? Its state-of-the-art accessible facilities and wide range of adaptive activities ensure that all campers can fully participate, regardless of their physical abilities. Some of the camp’s unique features include:

• A fully accessible wooden treehouse
• An Olympic-sized swimming pool
• A rock climbing wall
• A zipline
• An archery course
• The Gizzi Family Sensory Center

These facilities allow campers to challenge themselves, build confidence, and experience the thrill of outdoor adventures in a safe and supportive environment. The camp’s design ensures that no child faces barriers to fun and participation.

Partner Agencies and Community Impact

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp collaborates with eight partner agencies to expand its reach and serve a diverse group of campers. This collaborative approach allows the camp to cater to children with various special needs and provide specialized programming. The camp’s impact extends beyond the summer months, fostering a sense of community and inclusion that ripples through the Greater Rochester area.

How does Sunshine Camp benefit the broader community? By providing a unique resource for families of children with disabilities, the camp offers respite for caregivers and creates opportunities for children to develop independence and social skills. Additionally, the camp serves as a model for accessibility and inclusion, inspiring other organizations to create more inclusive spaces and programs.

Centennial Celebration and Upcoming Events

To commemorate its 100th anniversary, Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp has planned a series of special events throughout the year. These celebrations not only honor the camp’s rich history but also look forward to its future impact. Some of the exciting events planned for the summer include:

1. Trey Taylor Concert – July 21st at 6:30 pm
2. A day at Seabreeze – Date to be determined
3. Shirley’s Shooting Clay Tournament – August 1st at Rochester Brooks Gun Club
4. Sunshine Camp Golf Tournament – August 21st at Midvale Country Club
5. Rochester Red Wings Game – August 31st

These events offer opportunities for the community to engage with the camp, learn about its mission, and support its ongoing efforts to serve children with disabilities.

The Role of Rochester Rotary in Supporting Sunshine Camp

Rochester Rotary plays a crucial role in the operation and success of Sunshine Camp. The camp is owned by Rochester Rotary Charitable Trusts Inc. and operated by the Rochester Rotary Club. Club members are actively involved in maintaining the camp, organizing events, and ensuring its continued success.

How does Rochester Rotary contribute to the camp’s longevity? Through fundraising efforts, volunteer work, and community partnerships, Rotary members help sustain and improve the camp’s facilities and programs. Their dedication has been instrumental in keeping the camp thriving for 100 years and positioning it for future growth.

Sunshine Syrup: A Sweet Tradition

One unique initiative that supports Sunshine Camp is the production and sale of Sunshine Syrup. This pure New York maple syrup is made from maple trees on the camp property. The syrup is described as being made with three all-natural ingredients: sunshine, laughter, and love – capturing the essence of the camp experience.

Initiated by Butch Alexander in 2018, the Sunshine Syrup project not only generates funds for the camp but also serves as a tangible reminder of the joy and warmth experienced by campers. The syrup is available in 8 oz, 16 oz, and 32 oz bottles, offering supporters a delicious way to contribute to the camp’s mission.

The Importance of Accessible Camping Experiences

Why are accessible camping experiences crucial for children with disabilities? These experiences provide numerous benefits:

• Increased independence and self-confidence
• Opportunities for social interaction and friendship formation
• Development of new skills and interests
• Exposure to nature and outdoor activities
• Respite for families and caregivers

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp addresses a critical need in the community by offering these experiences to children who might otherwise miss out on traditional summer camp activities. The camp’s fully accessible design ensures that all children, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate fully and safely in a wide range of activities.

The Future of Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp

As Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp celebrates its centennial, it also looks to the future. What plans are in place to ensure the camp’s continued success and relevance? The camp’s leadership is committed to:

• Expanding programs to serve more children and families
• Upgrading facilities to incorporate the latest accessibility features
• Strengthening partnerships with community organizations
• Developing new fundraising initiatives to support camp operations
• Adapting to meet the evolving needs of campers with disabilities

By focusing on these areas, Sunshine Camp aims to remain a vital resource for children with disabilities and their families for generations to come.

How to Support Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp

There are numerous ways for individuals and organizations to support Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp and its mission. Some options include:

• Volunteering time at the camp or during special events
• Making financial donations to support camp operations and improvements
• Purchasing Sunshine Syrup or other camp merchandise
• Sponsoring a camper or camp program
• Participating in fundraising events like the golf tournament or clay shooting competition
• Spreading awareness about the camp and its impact on social media

By engaging with these support opportunities, community members can play a crucial role in ensuring that Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp continues to provide life-changing experiences for children with disabilities.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Adaptive Measures

How has Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic? Like many organizations, the camp has had to implement new safety protocols and modify its programs to protect the health of campers and staff. Some adaptive measures may include:

• Enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures
• Reduced capacity to allow for social distancing
• Outdoor-focused activities to minimize indoor gatherings
• Virtual camp options for those unable to attend in person
• Staff training on health and safety protocols

These adaptations demonstrate the camp’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all campers, even in challenging circumstances.

Testimonials and Success Stories

The true measure of Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp’s impact can be seen in the stories of its campers and their families. Over the past century, countless lives have been touched by the camp’s programs. Campers often report increased confidence, new friendships, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond their time at camp.

Parents and caregivers frequently express gratitude for the respite and peace of mind provided by the camp. Many report seeing significant growth in their children’s independence and social skills after attending Sunshine Camp. These testimonials serve as powerful evidence of the camp’s lasting impact and the continued need for its services in the community.

Environmental Stewardship at Sunshine Camp

How does Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp incorporate environmental stewardship into its programs? With 157 acres of land, the camp has a unique opportunity to educate campers about nature conservation and sustainable practices. Some environmental initiatives at the camp may include:

• Nature education programs
• Sustainable gardening projects
• Recycling and waste reduction efforts
• Energy conservation measures
• Wildlife habitat preservation

By integrating these elements into camp activities, Sunshine Camp not only provides a beautiful natural setting for campers but also instills a sense of environmental responsibility that campers can carry with them beyond their time at camp.

Collaboration with Healthcare Providers

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp’s commitment to serving children with disabilities necessitates close collaboration with healthcare providers. How does the camp ensure the medical needs of its campers are met? Some strategies may include:

• On-site medical staff during camp sessions
• Partnerships with local hospitals and specialists
• Training for all staff in basic medical care and emergency procedures
• Customized care plans for campers with specific medical needs
• Regular health and safety audits of camp facilities

These collaborations and protocols ensure that campers receive appropriate care and support throughout their stay, allowing them to fully enjoy the camp experience with peace of mind.

Technology Integration at Sunshine Camp

In an increasingly digital world, how does Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp incorporate technology to enhance the camping experience? While maintaining a focus on outdoor activities and social interaction, the camp may utilize technology in several ways:

• Assistive devices to improve accessibility for campers with various disabilities
• Virtual reality experiences for campers with limited mobility
• Digital storytelling projects to help campers share their experiences
• Online platforms to keep families connected during camp sessions
• STEM activities that incorporate age-appropriate technology

By thoughtfully integrating technology, Sunshine Camp can provide cutting-edge experiences while maintaining the traditional camp atmosphere that has made it special for 100 years.

Staff Training and Development

The success of Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp relies heavily on its dedicated staff. What measures are in place to ensure staff members are well-prepared to serve campers with diverse needs? The camp likely employs a comprehensive training program that includes:

• Disability awareness and sensitivity training
• First aid and emergency response procedures
• Adaptive activity facilitation techniques
• Behavioral management strategies
• Team-building and leadership development

By investing in staff training and development, Sunshine Camp ensures that campers receive high-quality care and support from knowledgeable and compassionate individuals.

Year-Round Impact: Beyond Summer Camp

While Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp is primarily known for its summer programs, its impact extends throughout the year. How does the camp continue to serve the community beyond the summer months? Some year-round initiatives might include:

• Weekend retreats for families of children with disabilities
• Educational workshops for parents and caregivers
• Facility rentals for other organizations serving individuals with disabilities
• Off-season volunteer opportunities for community members
• Advocacy efforts to promote accessibility and inclusion in the broader community

These year-round activities help Sunshine Camp maintain its connection with campers and families while maximizing the use of its facilities and resources to benefit the community.

As Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp celebrates its centennial, it stands as a testament to the power of community dedication and the enduring importance of creating inclusive spaces for children of all abilities. Through its rich history, innovative programs, and commitment to accessibility, the camp has touched countless lives and continues to be a beacon of hope and joy for children with disabilities and their families. As it looks to the future, Sunshine Camp remains poised to adapt, grow, and inspire, ensuring that generations to come will have the opportunity to experience the magic of summer camp without barriers.

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Campus | Where Kids Have No Barriers to Fun

Where kids have no barriers to fun!
Where kids have no barriers to fun!
Camper Registration
Where kids have no barriers to fun!
Where kids have no barriers to fun!
Camper Registration
Where kids have no barriers to fun!
Where kids have no barriers to fun!
Camper Registration

Camp is a place where magic happens and people meet lifelong friends!

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp is a fully accessible residential summer camp that has met the needs of children with paralysis and other physical challenges and their families since 1922.

Each summer, more than 2,500 children and adult campers with disabilities and city youth take advantage of this 157-acre campground in Rush, N. Y. It is the only camp facility of its kind in Greater Rochester that gives children with special needs unique overnight camping experiences.

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp is owned by Rochester Rotary Charitable Trusts Inc. and operated by the Rochester Rotary Club. The facility hosts summer camps held by Rochester Rotary as well as eight partner agencies.

Sunshine Camp offers state-of-the-art experiences for campers, including a rock climbing wall, zipline, Olympic sized swimming pool, archery course, fully accessible wooden treehouse, and the Gizzi Family Sensory Center.

About the Sunshine Camp

Save These Dates!

We have a lot of fun and exciting events coming up this summer. Mark your calendars and invite your family and friends to tag along!

• Trey Taylor Concert – July 21st at 6:30 pm
• A day at Seabreeze – TBD
• Shirley’s Shooting Clay Tournament – August 1st at Rochester Brooks Gun Club (two time slots available)
• Sunshine Camp Golf Tournament – August 21st at Midvale Country Club
• Rochester Red Wings Game – August 31st

Order Now

Tulsa’s best-known cook, Nettie Williams McBirney, was a nationally known culinary problem-solver who certainly did cut a “die-dough” when she was “Aunt Chick” in her Tulsa World cooking column.

Her Christmas cookie cutters, launched in 1948, are cherished today as treasures from antique shops. The sweet fashion of her Christmas cutting molds was of a Santa, a star, a Christmas tree, a toy-filled stocking. They were sold by millions all over the world.

Forming holiday traditions around the world for 75 years, to celebrate Aunt Chick’s is donating $2 of every limited edition Santa cookie cutter sold to Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp

Sunshine Syrup

Since 1922, Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp has supported children and young adults with developmental and physical challenges. Each summer more than 2,500 campers enjoy our 157-acre campus located in Rush, NY.

Maple trees that adorn the property absorb and retain the summer sunshine, and love and laughter that emanate from our campers, staff, and Rotary members. As such, the trees are later tapped and Rochester Rotary is able to produce the finest Pure New York Maple Syrup, made with only three all-natural ingredients: Sunshine, Laughter, and Love. Started by Butch Alexander in 2018.

Orders can be picked up at the Rochester Rotary Office located at 180 Linden Oaks, Suite 200, Rochester NY or at the Sunshine Camp located at 809 Five Points Road, Rush NY.

We have limited 8 oz, 16 oz, and 32 oz bottles available! Don’t wait to order!

Order Now

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Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp 100th Year Anniversary

Home > About Us > News > Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp 100th Year Anniversary

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp Celebrating its 100^th Anniversary

Sunshine Camp is the only facility of its kind in Greater Rochester that gives children with
special needs a fully accessible camping experience

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 22, 2022 — Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp is celebrating its 100^th year of serving children and youth with disabilities.

2022 marks the centennial year of this fully accessible residential summer camp that serves children with paralysis and other physical challenges and their families. Originally located on 23 acres of land near Durand-Eastman Park when it opened on June 12, 1922, the camp relocated to its current 157-acre site in Rush in 1974. During its first summer, 60 children attended the camp; that number has grown to more than 2,500 children served each summer.

“It is amazing that members of our Rochester Rotary club had the foresight a century ago to create a summer camp for kids with special abilities,” said Rochester Rotary President Scott Rasmussen. “Our club members are instrumental in keeping the camp going today, and we look forward to celebrating this special anniversary with our camp partners and with the community.”

Rochester Rotary announced today a series of public and club events throughout the year to celebrate the anniversary, including:

• April 27, 2022: the Construction for Sunshine Kids reception – the Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council and Builders Exchange of Rochester join forces to raise funds for the camp
• May 16 to May 19, 2022: Wegman’s Days of Caring at the camp, when Wegmans employees will volunteer to help get the camp ready for the summer
• May 18, 2022: release of a Sunshine Camp 100^th anniversary beer, a fruited American blond ale, made by Heroes Brewing Company
• June 4, 2022: a classic car road rally that will run from Durand Eastman Park – the original Sunshine Camp site –to the current site in Rush
• June 22, 2022: a 100^th anniversary Rochester Rotary luncheon at the camp
• July 14, 2022: Camp Carnival, featuring a dunk tank, bounce houses, face painting, games and train rides and a parade
• July 24 and 25, 2022: a special appearance by an LPGA Hall of Famer at Locust Hill Country Club (more details will be announced this spring)
• July 2022 (day to be announced): dedication of the newly renovated Robert Wegman Lodge, paid for by the Wegman family
• 9, 2022: the fourth annual Sunshine Camp Trail Mix event featuring 5K and a 10K courses, and a 1-mile walk on Oct. 8, 2022
• 4, 2022: the Sunshine Kids Gala, which raises funds for the camp
• (Date to be announced): Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp Night at a Rochester Red Wings game at Frontier Field

More details about these events and how the public can sign up for them will be made available closer to the events dates on Rochester Rotary’s website at rochesterrotary.org.

Rochester Rotary also is trying to locate alumni who worked at or attended camp through the decades to invite to the anniversary events. Camp staff or camper alumni can sign up to get more event information at the Sunshine Camp website: https://www.sunshinecamp.org/alumni/

Rochester Rotary Executive Director Tracey Dreisbach said, “For 100 years, Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp has provided a summer camp for kids with disabilities where they can just be kids, without any barriers – and it gives parents a much-needed respite. Our community can help us continue providing a camping experience for area children with physical challenges for many years to come by participating in the events we have planned this year. ”

Ann Snyder, whose son Jake has attended camp since 2010, said, “This has been Jake’s favorite week of the whole year every year since he started at Sunshine Camp. And he likes to take in every bit that camp offers by trying everything and challenging himself, cheered on by his fellow campers and counselors. He’s excited ever year to go back and see what cabin he’ll be in, which friends he’ll reconnect with and what counselors are back again.”

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp provides a unique camping experience that area children cannot get anywhere else, including a fully accessible treehouse, a sensory center (Gizzi Family Sensory Center), a fully accessible playground (Shirley’s Playland), a climbing wall, zip line, splash pad, archery, boating, fishing, miniature golf, swimming, and arts and crafts.

Rochester Rotary offers a two-week program at the camp to children with disabilities at no charge, thanks to generous contributions from Rochester Rotarians and from the community. During the rest of the summer, the camp is enjoyed by campers from partner agencies, including American Diabetes Association, Camp Haccamo (supported by Rotary Clubs of Monroe County), Camp Joy, Cancer Support Community Rochester, EPI (Empowering People’s Independence), and Heritage Christian Services.

Camper applications for the 2022 season are now being accepted. The camp also is accepting applications for staff positions.

About Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp (sunshinecamp.org), a fully accessible residential summer camp in Rush, N.Y., has met the needs of children with paralysis and other physical challenges and their families since 1922. Each summer, children and young-adult campers (ages 7 to 21 years old) with disabilities take advantage of this 157-acre campground. It is the only camping facility of its kind in Greater Rochester that gives children with special needs unique overnight camping experiences. The camp is owned by Rochester Rotary Charitable Trusts Inc. and operated by the Rochester Rotary Club.

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How to sleep and get enough sleep? | Zelenograd INFO

How do you sleep, in what position?

If on the stomach, then it turns out to be very harmful – this is the worst position during a night’s rest. This was recently announced by the somnologists of the famous Mayo Clinic in the United States.

FAMOUS HOSPITAL

Such statements should be treated carefully. This is not an ordinary hospital. In addition to the classic clinic where people are treated, it is also the largest scientific center, which employs almost 5 thousand doctors and scientists.

It publishes its scientific medical journals, which are popular among specialists all over the world. Many innovations in medicine originate from this private clinic.

Mayo Clinic sleep experts explained why this position is so bad: lying on your stomach, it is almost impossible to breathe deeply. It is uncomfortable for the muscles of the neck and back, they unbend unnecessarily and as a result get tired and numb. Because of this, the volume of air during inhalation decreases.

This posture also has a bad effect on the vessels passing through the neck and supplying the brain with blood. As a result, the brain suffers from insufficient oxygen supply during sleep. Hence the poor quality of sleep, a person does not get enough sleep. And this leads to big health problems.

LYMPHA OR GLYMPHA?

Another popular position – on the back – is also far from the best for sleeping.

Just a few years ago, in 2012, American scientists from the University of Rochester, New York, deciphered the mechanisms by which our brain is freed from toxic substances during sleep. In the body, our lymphatic system does this. But the brain does not have it, and how it did it was not clear. Scientists have discovered an analogue of this system in the brain.

By analogy, it was called the glymphatic system. For people familiar with medicine, this name is clear without decoding. The “gli” particle reminds them of glial cells – these are auxiliary cells in the brain that help neurons (nerve cells) work. They serve as their support, through them the nerve cells receive nutrition, they also perform other functions. There are 8-10 times more glial cells than neurons. So at night, these cells help to remove toxic substances from the brain.

And now the most interesting part. The outflow pathways from glial cells in the brain, through which toxins leave, pass through the neck. And in the position on the back, especially on the stomach, they are strongly pinched. As a result, toxins remain in the brain and do their harmful work.

For example, among the toxins there are substances such as amyloid and tau protein, which lead to degenerative brain diseases (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases). Now you understand how important it is to sleep in the right position?

THIS IS IMPORTANT

Advise Mikhail Bogomolov , specialist in psychoendocrinology, president of the Russian Diabetes Association:

– It is bad to sleep not only on the stomach, but also on the back, the best position for sleeping is on the side.

The problem is that in a dream it is difficult for a person to control his position and spend most of his time on his side. However, there is a way to help those who usually sleep on their backs. They need to sew a pocket for a tennis ball on their pajamas or nightgown between the shoulder blades (the pocket must be fastened). Thanks to this, a person will feel uncomfortable every time he tries to lie on his back. To avoid this, he will roll over on his side, and over time this position will become familiar to him.

If you roll over on your stomach all the time in your sleep, you can also try this method by sewing a ball pocket on your stomach or at the level of your diaphragm.

With regard to sleep, it is also very important to wake up correctly. It so happened that the biorhythms of the body of a modern person living in normal conditions, especially urban ones, do not coincide with his natural natural rhythms.

It has always been the case that our rhythms were influenced by sunrise and sunset: we got up and went to bed with the sun. And historically the body is used to it. Therefore, usually an hour before dawn, biochemical changes begin in it. They are needed in order to provide us with energy at the beginning of the day. What are these changes?

Hormones are released that increase blood pressure and make the heart work faster, blood sugar rises – it is released from the liver. And since we continue to sleep, and do not wake up like our ancestors, it is because of these reactions in the morning at dawn that myocardial infarctions and strokes most often develop.

The easiest way out in such a situation is to wake up, get out of bed, go for a walk. As a result, the energy of sugar and the activity of hormones would play a positive role: glucose would not go to fat depots for the synthesis of new fats, but would go to the muscles and burn in them, giving energy for movements.

Many people say that they cannot get up so early because they go to bed very late, they cannot fall asleep earlier. There is such a problem, but it is possible to rebuild. Even if you can’t really fall asleep when you go to bed early and inevitably fall asleep late, make sure to wake up with the sun at dawn anyway. It will take 1-3 days, and you will start falling asleep earlier. And sleep will become normal in duration.

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Diabetes Device Patient Alert

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When you see headlines about recalls of diabetes products and realize that your medical device may be affected, you might panic. Now what?

In light of the latest product safety news about Medtronic Insulin Pumps i Insulet Omnipod DASH System, (see below for more details), we started thinking about the chain of events following the headings:

• What if customers are worried about continuing to use the product?
• Does the company communicate clearly and provide good customer service?
• Are health insurance companies interested in whether a product they cover or recommend poses a potential hazard?
• How do doctors and diabetes specialists respond to patients’ concerns?

All of this recently came to Paul Dobbertin, a longtime type 1 specialist in suburban Chicago who was worried about his Medtronic insulin pump after seeing reports of it in the media following a recent FDA recall warning. He called the company and struggled to purchase a replacement device despite customer service denying the situation and insisting that his device did not need to be replaced.

“We are rightfully concerned,” he says. “Managing all the details of the system, along with type 1 diabetes, is already a lot of work and expense, with no worries about faulty hardware and a known issue.”

contents

The device reminds you what you need to know

First, don’t be confused by the different language used in these situations. The word “review” does not always mean that you have to return the product. There are also notifications about “fixing”, “removing the market” and other related labels. See this guide to FDA definitions for different cases.

The FDA explains that most recalls are “voluntary actions” taken by manufacturers and distributors as part of their responsibility to protect public health when certain products may pose a risk of injury or are otherwise defective.

In most cases, only certain series (certain models or SKUs) of products are affected. So, most often it is an individual assessment of whether a return is guaranteed for a particular unit in the event of a problem being applied.

Here are the details of the latest diabetes recalls announced in early 2020:

Medtronic Minimed 600 Series Insulin Pumps: Safety Ring Return

The Minimed 600 Series is affected by a small part on the top of the pump called a ring holder that is supposed to hold the container of insulin inside the pump. A malfunction can cause it to rupture or be lost, interfering with insulin delivery and could result in the user receiving more or less insulin than they should. This will not empty the reservoir, Medtronic says, but it may cause delays in insulin delivery or a faster, unscheduled bolus delivery than expected.

Share on Pinterest Image: Diabetes Medtronic

Medtronic originally issued an urgent safety notice informed the FDA of this issue on November 21, 2019. At the time, the company was already working on an action plan with regulators to eliminate these potentially defective parts of the device.

Just as important, it is not uncommon for a manufacturer to issue a safety warning or notice and then the FDA issues a recall classification a few months later. It happened here with the FDA issuing a class 1 recall on February 12, 2020, marking it as the most severe type of device release recall.

How many devices are affected?

A total of 322,005 devices were affected, including:

• all series of Minimed 630G pumps released from September 2016 to October 2019
• all groups of 670G closed loop hybrid systems deployed between June 2017 to August 2019

Are there any injuries or deaths?

According to an FDA report based on company data, Medtronic has received 26,421 complaints regarding this safety ring failure since the introduction of this series of insulin pumps. These figures include XNUMX “injuries” and one possible death associated with this problem.

Alas! is the first response when we see these numbers. But as far as Medtronic points out, the data could be wrong if taken out of context. Of the 2,175 cases labeled as “injuries” associated with high or low glucose levels, 94 percent (2,045 in total) “patients treated themselves and did not require medical intervention.” For one reported death, there is no conclusive evidence that it was attributable to a loose, damaged, or missing support ring. But this, too, cannot be ruled out.

In our previous in-depth product recall report, DiabetesMine spoke to FDA insiders and company officials who urged caution when considering the number of recalls in the appropriate context, especially since the FDA database of “adverse events” is far from perfect.

“You can’t just look at the number of reviews and draw conclusions based on those numbers. You need to consider the context, what the review was like, how it was discovered, and what was going on with the company at the time. It’s hard to do it from the outside because you don’t have that conversation and context all the time,” warns Dr. Courtney Lias, director of the FDA’s Department of Chemistry and Toxicology.

Meanwhile, our D-community has been flooded with Medtronic safety alerts in recent months, from a mid-November FDA warning about old insulin pumps and cybersecurity, to news of a federal lawsuit filed in connection with this by a woman in Florida who died two years earlier, as a possible by-product of using the Minimed 2G system, the recall was related to a possible malfunctioning infusion site.

Omnipod Control DASH controller software failure

On the day of the announcement of the Medtronic 600 series recall, Insulet issued a warning to correct the medical device about the Omnipod DASH wireless patch pump and its personal diabetes (PDM) used to manage the system. The notice, described as a precautionary measure, states that there is a remote possibility that PDM “may suggest a bolus of insulin based on inaccurate data” and that this could result in too much or too little insulin being delivered.

Specifically, the problem is related to the bolus calculator function, which is used to determine the dose of food and correct based on the current blood glucose (BG) level and the built-in user insulin (IOB). PDM is typically used to calculate readings older than 10 minutes. But with this bastard, the old data recedes.

The problem is specific to software versions 1.0.50 and earlier (see the About menu on the PDM to determine which version you have).

At the time of the alert, 11 calls were received regarding the problem, no one was injured, reports Insulet. And that doesn’t mean you can’t use DASH PDM – you need to be especially careful when entering your current BG when using the bolus calculator.

Alert states that a software update is being developed to address the issue and is scheduled to be available in March 2020. New refurbished PDMs will be delivered to affected customers, and the company says it will contact those customers when it’s time to ship. .

Of course, despite these beliefs, people with diabetes (PWD) may have longstanding questions and concerns.

Insulin pump in Illinois “will not live in fear”

Paul Dobbertin

Dobbertin of Illinois, on the one hand, has been using a Minimed insulin pump since the mid-1990s and has been taking 670G for several years. While he was not completely satisfied with ease of use in general, quality assurance did not become a major issue for him until November 2019.

Although he received a safety alert from Medtronic and after the company assured him that everything was fine, Dobbertin began to worry that his 670G device would be damaged after seeing the latest news in the FDA recall notice.

He called Medtronic Customer Service for more information. Pre-recorded message remembered in detail and filled out an online form. He removed the pump and placed it in a drawer, switching to multiple daily injections (MAI) as needed. After waiting all day with no response, he called customer service and reported what he had seen.

“(Deputy) misrepresented most of the news that was reported and said the pump didn’t actually turn off,” Dobbertin told DiabetesMine. “It only confused me more. The news on the Internet—CNN, NBC, the BBC, and even the FDA—seemed to speak differently. I know the news is distorted, but the fact that so many injuries are being reported was frightening.”

Although the part of the pump in question appeared intact, Dobbertin did not want to risk it. His eyesight is not very good, and he was worried about whether he should pay attention to the device, because it could break at any moment – especially since its warranty had already expired. He had previously had severe reactions to low sugar insulin when he was awake when they saw the doctor standing over him and he didn’t want to experience it again.

“I said that I would simply not live because of the fear of accidentally overdosing on a huge amount of insulin, as (perhaps) already happened to someone due to a known deficiency,” he said.

Despite initial reluctance to replace the pump, the supervisor eventually shipped the replacement in good order within a few days. Dobbertin is pleased with the services given to him in solving the case, although his 670G appears to be unharmed.

He’s not alone, as Medtronic was inundated with hundreds of calls in just the first days of news of the recall. People with disabilities who share their experiences online express mixed feelings about the severity of this particular memory, with some indicating “it doesn’t matter much” and others expressing great concern.

D-Mom of New York: “Lucky he dodged a bullet”

Wanda Labrador and her son Justice

Mother Wanda Labrador of Rochester, New York, says her family was affected by the latest Medtronic product recall, but thankfully they stopped using it before the company issued an emergency last fall th safety notice.

Labrador’s son Justice was diagnosed at age 3 on Thanksgiving Day 2012 and started using a blue Minimed insulin pump the following summer. Finally, after a long wait for closed loop technology, in July 670, Justice launched the 2018G pump.

But after a few months, according to Wanda, she noticed that the ring holder often fell out, and she had to tighten it regularly. This continued until it eventually wore out and broke, and on Christmas Eve 2018, she called Medtronic to report the damage. They received a replacement pump the next day (Merry Christmas?). However, after 5 months, according to him, the same thing happened again; the safety ring broke off and disappeared.

Many other people in the online chat groups discussed similar issues and said they called the company because of it—sometimes getting a replacement, but often listening to repeats of customer service expressing surprise and then being told not to worry.

“I felt something was wrong with the pump, even though Medtronic never warned me about the risk of losing the ring,” she says. “There were times when the whole tank just slipped… it wasn’t right!”

Worried but also rested from pump therapy itself, Justice stopped using 670G and returned to injections during the summer months. He eventually went to a diabetes camp and found out about the Omnipod and Dexcom, and despite still having a warranty Medtronic pump, their insurance approved the new devices. Despite this, Labrador is technically still a Medtronic customer warranty, but has received no letter or notification of the failure of this safety ring.

“When I saw the media report, I felt happy that I had avoided the bullet and that my son was not hurt,” she says. “At the same time, I am upset that the public has not been aware of the possible damage that the problem can cause for so long. People’s lives are at stake, and it’s unfair that the pumps aren’t recalled. get better.”

Does product recall affect health insurance coverage?

Major insurers such as Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield say they take recall information into account. But none of the insurance companies that DiabetesMine spoke with in the week following these recent diabetes recalls indicated that they have actual data on how often safety questions are asked or how their organization can use this information to make coverage decisions. 0003

Given Medtronic’s “preferred brand agreement” with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) that restricts access to third party diabetic devices, some wonder if UHC will take note of this class, and I remember its preferred brand.

UHC Communications Director Tracey Lempner says Medtronic informed the insurance company of this issue in 2019, which affected the Minimed 600 series insulin pumps.

The UHC then released a statement to affected members stating: “The safety of our members is a priority and we encourage anyone who may have questions or concerns about their insulin pump to consult their physician and contact Medtronic for more information. We will continue to work. We work closely with Medtronic and monitor the latest clinical data to ensure that our members with diabetes have ongoing access to safe and affordable care.”

It would be interesting to see some data on how often people have difficulty with product recalls in their claims and complaints, and what insurers are doing about it.

How do doctors respond to medical device recalls?

We were also curious about how physicians and diabetes specialists can address the concerns of patients with food safety issues, and we reached out to some of them to ask what advice they might have for those facing these issues. The theme is fairly constant: depending on the specific product or drug, depending on the specific product or drug. Often doctors contact the company directly for more information and needed medications.

“We’re trying to be proactive and make sure we’re really checking for exposure hazards in our patients,” said Dr. Jennifer Dyer, a pediatric endocrinologist in Ohio.

“We are quite patient with (these problems) because we know that machines can and can be unreliable, so we always teach our patients to be smarter than machines. In our practice, we have an extremely thorough program based on this principle, so fortunately our patients usually do well when these things happen. In this latter case, our patients must be in accordance with our protocols,” she explains.