An implantable artificial pancreas is under development and may help diabetes patients control their blood sugar. The device measures a patient’s blood sugar or glucose levels and will release insulin as needed. Such a device would be helpful to those with Type 1 diabetes since they must monitor blood sugar levels closely and take insulin daily. Although only 5% of people with diabetes have Type 1 there are 1.25 million Americans living with Type 1 diabetes.Options currently available to deliver insulin include multiple daily injections or the use of an insulin pump.
Researchers have reported an algorithm in the ACS journal Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research that monitors blood sugar levels and calculates an insulin dose. The artificial pancreas will then deliver an insulin dose quickly and automatically whenever necessary. With computer testing the artificial pancreas maintained blood glucose levels within target range close to 80% of the time. Researchers report that they will soon be testing the device in animals.
