THE "Y2K BUG" AND DIABETES

by Peter J. Nebergall, PhD

As we approach January 1, 2000 AD, we hear a great many reports, and some dire predictions, about "Y2K" and the possibility for real chaos upon the arrival of the new millennium. What are they talking about? Does this have anything to do with diabetes care? Should you be concerned?

What is "Y2K?"

All but the simplest computing devices contain electronic clocks and timers, some to inform you, but most to enable proper storage and recording of data. In the 1950s, when computers were huge, expensive, and small-brained, a two-digit standard was adopted to mark the year: "59" meant 1959. This worked fine.

Computers got better, faster, cheaper, smaller, and vastly more popular. A great many appliances formerly 100% mechanical, from cars to cameras, from stereos and VCRs to microwave ovens, now incorporate computer electronics--but most folks never thought to deal with those two-digit dates. Then "96" (1996) arrived, and folks started noticing, started realizing that the two-digit system couldn't tell the difference between "2000" and "1900." Come January 1 of 2000, some electronic devices would give inaccurate dates. Data could be lost; scheduled tasks might not be automatically performed.

Action and Reaction

Programmers, computer companies, and the Federal Government immediately got busy. It was discovered that most home computers, business "mainframe" computers, and many critical electronic devices could be cheaply and easily altered to avoid the anticipated difficulties. "Y2K Compliance Engineering" became a booming industry. Most hospitals, power plants, factories, and large corporations quickly made the adjustment--and this includes major manufacturers and suppliers of diabetes equipment and supplies. Many have posted statements of Y2K compliance on their websites.

PC computer users, like VOICE OF THE DIABETIC, had their equipment tested, and installed the necessary "BIOS Upgrades." It cost about $20, and took about 15 minutes. No big deal. Most likely your corner pharmacy has done so too.

What About My Monitor?

Most home blood glucose monitors contain electronic date memory chips. Most of them are "hardwired" (the memory is cast into the chip), and cannot be reprogrammed. Most newer meters are "Y2K compliant," but manufacturers warn some of their older glucose monitors "may experience difficulties after December 31, 1999."

If you are using a now-superseded machine, an older blood glucose monitor, I strongly recommend you check with your supplier, or with the manufacturer. It might not be "Y2K compliant," and now might be a good time to check out a new meter.

If you download data from your meter into a computer, using one of the many "diabetes-tracking" computer programs available, make sure your computer has been upgraded to Y2K compliance. LifeScan's website (www.lifescan.com) observes that some older versions of these programs are not Y2K compliant, and should be replaced or upgraded.

Where's the Trouble, Then?

With all the thorough preparation for Y2K (big pharmacy chains and drug companies state they are ready), I see only two potential problems. First is the Internet. The Web is a chain of computers, passing messages from one to another to another, and if some of those computers experience difficulties on January 1, they could slow down the information superhighway. The more Web-users who upgrade their computers to Y2K compliance, the less the risk--but I would expect some delays on the Net for the first few weeks.

The second problem is civil chaos. There have been so many "end of the world" horror stories about Y2K that there is some small risk of a self-fulfilling prophecy. A lot of people are so primed for disruption that they may inadvertently cause it. I look for some of the big cities to get a bit crazy for a week or two. I would recommend, if you live in a big city, that you have two weeks' worth of insulin, strips, and other life-sustaining medications on hand before New Year's Eve.

Conclusions

The world is not coming to an end. Your diabetes equipment manufacturers and pharmaceutical suppliers are ready for the millennium, and will be there for you. Your local corner pharmacy is probably ready too--go ask! Is your monitor ready? If in doubt, ask your supplier, call the manufacturer's customer service number (on the box of test strips) or look at their website. As for your computer, any supply store should have the necessary programs to upgrade it.

Take care, and we'll all get through the big day with a minimum of disruption.