Here’s some good news for people with diabetes: a new, so-called “bionic pancreas” could help them monitor blood glucose levels without ever having to give annoying (and sometimes painful) blood samples.
The bionic pancreas was developed by researchers from Boston University and Massachusetts General Hospital. It involves hardwiring a smartphone to a glucose monitor and two pumps that continuously monitor blood sugar levels, sending reports to the smartphone every five minutes. This means a small, quarter-sized glucose monitor must be implanted under the skin in the abdominal area. The external pump is then attached to the monitor with an adhesive. If the device detects that insulin or glucagon is required, it can administer doses automatically.
The system is adored by kids with type 1 diabetes, which affects young people. Those dealing with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar levels on a constant basis and must carefully evaluate the health impact of every food item they’re thinking of eating.
So far, tests have been impressive. Recent studies have shown that every young person trying out the bionic pancreas was able to maintain healthy blood glucose levels without having to manually draw and test blood.
Unfortunately, the system is still some ways from wide release. New, more advanced and rigorous tests will begin this week.