An update on the Artificial Pancreas:
A main goal for Breakthrough T1D and diabetes researchers worldwide has long been the development of the artificial pancreas (AP). As you may already know, the first generation AP has completed preliminary clinical trials and is moving forward towards larger trials. The timeline for making such a device available for all people with T1D is still unclear. However, researchers are hopeful that all necessary trials can be completed in the next few years making the AP a reality to all people with T1D.
So – what exactly can you expect from the first generation AP? It is not a closed system like you may be envisioning. People wearing the device will still need to be involved in some aspects of their diabetes care, mainly carbohydrate counting and blood sugar tests. This first generation AP will have Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) wirelessly linked to a traditional insulin pump. A great video of the AP can be seen at (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XlNsak3UWWg). Future generation AP will include a closed system meaning that a person does not need to update the system with mealtime information. It will also include a more accurate sensor and have both insulin and glucagon reservoirs in the insulin pump. Additionally, researchers are working on insulin with faster peak times and creating one adhesive site that combines the CGM and infusion set. These advances are currently being worked on by many different entities. Timelines on these exciting possibilities are, unfortunately, still unclear.
Dana Roseman
Research Information Volunteer (RIV)
JDRF, Greater Dallas Chapter
