Breakthrough in Creating First Generation Artificial Pancreas

Using sophisticated computer software, researchers were able to coordinate the actions of a commercially available continuous glucose monitoring device and insulin pump to allow automatic insulin delivery in response to real-time glucose readings.

While using the artificial pancreas system, the children maintained blood sugar levels in the normal range 60% of the time, compared with 40% of the time while using a conventional insulin pump. Between 50% and 70% of hypoglycemic emergencies happen at night.

If that goes well, he says the artificial pancreas could be clinically available within three to five years for overnight use.

It will probably take longer to determine if the system can be used 24 hours a day. Daytime blood sugar control, especially around mealtimes, poses a special challenge

The system proved better than a conventional insulin pump for maintaining optimal blood sugar levels during the night in a study from the U.K.’s University of Cambridge.

The newly published study included 19 children and teens with type 1 diabetes who used the artificial pancreas system for 33 nights and a conventional insulin pump for 21 nights in a hospital setting.

During certain nights, the delivery systems were challenged by having the children eat a large meal or exercise before bedtime. Both of these activities increase the risk for nighttime hypoglycemia.

While using the artificial pancreas system, the children maintained blood sugar levels in the normal range 60% of the time, compared with 40% of the time while using a conventional insulin pump. Between 50% and 70% of hypoglycemic emergencies happen at night.