Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Closing the Loop on the Insulin Pump
The marriage of the insulin pump and the new continuous glucose sensor could result in a true artificial pancreas in the not-too-distant future.The insulin pump has been available in the U.S. for people with diabetes since the 1980s. The insulin pump delivers a small amount of insulin into the body throughout the day and also allows you to deliver a larger (bolus) dose before meals. Manufacturers of the insulin pump are introducing new features that could enable insulin pump users to get better results.
Insulin pump + continuous glucose sensor
The body monitors glucose 24/7 and diabetes equipment suppliers are trying to develop ways to mimic this function. A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system consists of a small adhesive sensor patch and miniature transmitter that radios glucose measurements to a compact meter that you carry around with you. The sensor patch holds a slim sensor wire that is inserted just under the skin. The sensor patch must be changed every 3 days.
The meter displays an updated glucose measurement every few minutes and can be set to notify you when your levels get too high or too low. The meter’s memory can hold several hundred daily measurements that you and your doctor can download and use to track trends in your glucose control. The CGM doesn’t completely free you of lancets and test strips. But if you are accustomed to frequent blood sugar checks, the CGM could make life a little easier, provide an additional warning of unexpected highs and lows during the day,and allow you and your healthcare team to better monitor your progress.
The progress in smart insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring foreshadow the coming of a true artificial pancreas. Such a system would include an implanted insulin pump controlled by an implanted glucose monitor. The system would automatically dispense insulin as needed. No human intervention would be required except to periodically refill the pump and change the batteries. In the meantime, diabetics can still benefit from incremental advances on the way to the artificial pancreas.
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Diabetes | Closing the Loop on the Insulin Pump
Posted in Diabetes on October 26, 2006
Reviewed June 2011
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
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bob
Posted by: rquin | January 17, 2009 9:39 AM