Medical Device Contact Allergy: Glucose Monitors and Insulin Pumps

Purpose of Review: To describe contact allergy to diabetes devices and recommend steps for evaluation and management of these complex cutaneous complications. Recent Findings: Allergens reported in glucose monitors include isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), colophony, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, 2,2’-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) monoacrylate and ethyl cyanoacrylate. Recently described insulin pump allergens include IBOA, colophony, and ethyl cyanoacrylate. Summary: Contact allergy to diabetes devices has become more prevalent in recent years, particularly given their increasing use in patients with type I and type II diabetes. Most reports are for glucose monitors, and IBOA is frequently implicated, although the allergens contained within devices may continue to evolve. Comprehensive patch testing is necessary for evaluation of potential diabetes device contact allergy. Management ideally centers on allergen avoidance; however, if not feasible, topical and barrier products can be used with varying degrees of success.

Duke Scholars

Author Amber Reck Atwater Dermatology