‘Artificial Pancreas’ May Treat Type 1 Diabetes
April 14, 2011 -- New research raises hopes that a so-called “artificial pancreas” can help patients with type 1 diabetes better control their disease.
Adults with type 1 diabetes in a newly published study showed improvements in overnight blood sugar control when an experimental computer-assisted device was used, with fewer episodes of levels dropping to dangerously low levels.
For decades, researchers have searched unsuccessfully for a way to automatically coordinate insulin delivery with real-time changes in glucose to maintain optimal blood sugar levels with minimal effort.
Technological advances have led to commercial devices that continuously monitor blood sugar, as well as insulin pumps.
Researchers are now attempting to tie the two together using sophisticated computer software.
In studies in children with type 1 diabetes, the experimental devices proved to be better than conventional insulin pump delivery for maintaining optimal blood sugar control during the night.
The new study, published today in BMJ Online First, is among the first to show the same thing in adults.
12 Tips to Avoid Diabetes Complications
Adults with type 1 diabetes in a newly published study showed improvements in overnight blood sugar control when an experimental computer-assisted device was used, with fewer episodes of levels dropping to dangerously low levels.
For decades, researchers have searched unsuccessfully for a way to automatically coordinate insulin delivery with real-time changes in glucose to maintain optimal blood sugar levels with minimal effort.
Technological advances have led to commercial devices that continuously monitor blood sugar, as well as insulin pumps.
Researchers are now attempting to tie the two together using sophisticated computer software.
In studies in children with type 1 diabetes, the experimental devices proved to be better than conventional insulin pump delivery for maintaining optimal blood sugar control during the night.
The new study, published today in BMJ Online First, is among the first to show the same thing in adults.
12 Tips to Avoid Diabetes Complications