Objective
This project aims to develop and validate a small, low-cost sensor that can be integrated into insulin pumps to continuously monitor insulin quality and flow in real time. The goal is to detect early signs of insulin degradation or infusion blockage before they affect the user’s blood glucose levels. Using an advanced technique called impedance spectroscopy, the sensor can measure changes in the liquid inside the pump tubing without interfering with insulin delivery. If successful, this technology will provide a new safety layer for people using insulin pumps, helping prevent dangerous glucose fluctuations and improving the reliability of automated insulin delivery systems.
Background Rationale
Insulin pumps are powerful tools for managing Type 1 Diabetes, but they can sometimes fail without warning. Blockages in the tubing or changes in insulin stability can reduce insulin delivery, leading to unexpected high or low blood sugar. Current pumps only detect problems after they happen, when pressure builds up and an alarm sounds. Our team has designed a new type of miniature sensor that can identify these problems much earlier by detecting subtle changes in the insulin itself. Early detection would allow pumps to alert users before glucose levels are affected. This approach represents a proactive, smarter way to ensure insulin is always flowing properly and functioning as intended.
Description of Project
Managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) requires careful balancing of insulin delivery and blood glucose levels. Many people with T1D rely on insulin pumps, which provide a continuous supply of insulin under the skin. While these devices improve daily glucose control, they can sometimes fail without warning. Blockages in the tubing or changes in insulin quality can reduce or delay insulin delivery, leading to unexpected high or low blood sugar levels. Current pumps only detect these problems once they occur, leaving users little time to respond and increasing the risk of dangerous glucose fluctuations.
This project aims to create a new type of small, low-cost sensor that can continuously monitor both insulin quality and flow inside the pump tubing. Using a sophisticated electrical measurement technique called impedance spectroscopy, the sensor can detect early signs of insulin degradation or partial blockages before they affect the user’s blood sugar. By providing an early alert, the system gives users a critical window to act, preventing severe hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, or other complications.
In addition to improving safety, this technology could enable smarter insulin pumps that adjust insulin delivery based on the real-time condition of the medication. It also lays the foundation for next-generation “artificial pancreas” systems that operate with greater autonomy and reliability.
If successful, the project will demonstrate a validated sensor and reproducible testing platform, providing the data necessary for future preclinical testing and eventual integration into commercial insulin pump systems. Ultimately, this innovation could help people with T1D manage their condition more safely and confidently, reducing the burden of daily therapy and the risk of unpredictable blood sugar events.
Anticipated Outcome
By the end of the project, we expect to have a fully validated benchtop setup that demonstrates the sensor’s reliability, safety, and compatibility with insulin. Laboratory studies will confirm that the sensor can detect the early stages of insulin degradation and flow obstruction without altering the insulin itself. The results will form the basis for future preclinical and regulatory testing, and for potential integration into next-generation insulin pumps. Ultimately, this work will open the door to wearable devices that monitor insulin quality continuously, helping users avoid unpredictable glucose swings and increasing confidence in insulin pump therapy.
Relevance to T1D
For people living with Type 1 Diabetes, maintaining stable blood glucose levels is a constant challenge. Even small interruptions in insulin delivery can cause serious complications. This project addresses that challenge directly by improving the safety and reliability of insulin pump systems. By enabling early detection of infusion problems, the technology could prevent many episodes of unexplained hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. It also supports the development of more advanced, closed-loop systems, the next step toward the fully automated “artificial pancreas.” In the long term, this innovation has the potential to make insulin therapy safer, simpler, and more dependable for everyone living with T1D.