An artificial pancreas to help diabetics
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have successfully tested an artificial pancreas for use by patients with type 2 diabetes, as it has proven its ability to maintain healthy glucose levels in the blood.
While it is estimated that some 415 million people worldwide live with type 2 diabetes, the disease costs about $760 billion in annual global health spending.
Type 2 diabetes causes levels of glucose - blood sugar - to rise dramatically due to a disruption in insulin secretion, which over time causes serious problems including damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart disease.
That's why researchers from the Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science at the University of Cambridge have developed an artificial pancreas that can help maintain healthy glucose levels.
The device combines an off-the-shelf glucose monitor and insulin pump with an app developed by the team, called CamAPS HX.
This app is powered by an algorithm that predicts how much insulin is required to keep glucose levels in the target range.
Researchers have previously shown that an artificial pancreas running a similar algorithm is effective for patients with type 1 diabetes, from adults to very young children.
They also successfully trialed the device in patients with type 2 diabetes who need dialysis.
The research team reported the first trial of the device in a wider population with type 2 diabetes (dialysis is not required).
And unlike the artificial pancreas used for type 1 diabetes, this new version is a completely closed-loop system. Whereas type 1 diabetics need to tell their artificial pancreas that they are about to eat to allow for insulin modulation, for example, with this version They can leave the device to run completely automatically.
Dr Charlotte Boughton of the Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Sciences at the University of Cambridge, who co-led the study, said: “Many patients with type 2 diabetes struggle to control their blood sugar levels using currently available therapies. Like injectable insulin, an artificial pancreas could provide a safe and effective way to help them, and the technology is easy to use and can be safely implemented at home."
Co-author Dr Aydin Daly said: "One of the barriers to widespread use of insulin therapy is concern about the risk of severe 'hypoglycemia' - or dangerously low blood sugar levels."
Pointing out that the patients targeted by the experiment did not experience these symptoms.
Feedback from participants indicated that they were happy to have their glucose levels controlled automatically by the system, and nine in ten (89%) reported spending less time managing their diabetes overall.
Users highlighted the elimination of the need for injections or a finger prick test, and the increased confidence in blood glucose management as key benefits.
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