Products
In late September 2016, the first so-called “artificial pancreas” was approved in the United States, Medtronic’s MiniMed 670G system. The system will be available by physician prescription in spring 2017.
How it works
The device measures glucose levels every five minutes with a sensor under the skin (subcutaneous) in tissue fluid and automatically delivers insulin from an insulin pump when needed. If the value is elevated, insulin is released – conversely, the supply is reduced or stopped if it falls. Manual intervention is only required at meal times and for calibration of the sensor. The glucose sensor and the insulin pump (or its controller) communicate wirelessly.
Indications
For monitoring blood glucose levels and automatic administration of insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus aged 14 years and older.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and skin irritation at the administration site.