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FDA Approves Wearable "Artificial Pancreas"
kkleiner writes "The FDA has approved a device that acts as an "artificial pancreas", which both continuously monitors a patient's glucose levels and injects appropriate amounts of insulin when needed. When blood-sugar levels become low, the device from Medtronics warns the wearer and will eventually shut down. The MiniMed 530G looks to offer an on-the-go solution for the growing number of people suffering from Type 1 diabetes who have to test their blood and inject insulin throughout the day. The company plans to improve the device to make a fully automated version down the road."
Currently, I'm using a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor, and an Omnipod insulin pump. The advantage of being able to automatically turn down one's basal rate is an advantage, yes. I do this manually for myself, based on my Dexcom readings. But it isn't all that your pancreas does. If your blood sugar is diving too quickly, you have to supplement with sugar orally to make up for the fact that your pancreas isn't secreting hormones to make your liver release stored glycogen, or you may go too low and pass out. Often if I engage in unexpected exercise (moving boxes, changing a tire, spontaneous run) shortly after bolusing for a meal, my sugar will crash because my body becomes more responsive to the insulin I've taken, and once I've taken it, I can't un-take it. Kills spontaneity.
Your pancreas also supplies you with insulin automatically based upon your blood sugar fluctuations... this product doesn't. You have to manually calculate your mealtime boluses and make the pump give it too you.
This bionic pancreas is the technology I'm excited about, and can't wait for it to come to market. It automatically calculates and releases both insulin AND glucagon in measured amounts to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as I've ever seen.