An artificial pancreas, which would make managing blood sugar levels much simpler for diabetics, is likely only a few years away, researchers say. Currently, a trial consisting of about 75 people across the U.S. is wielding some encouraging results, according to several news outlets.
The technology combines continuous blood sugar testing with an insulin pump. Currently both technologies are available independently, but do not coordinate with each other. With the artificial pancreas, the pair work together to measure blood sugar levels and distribute insulin accordingly. A sensor is placed under the skin. That sends a signal to a “control box,” which tells the pump how much insulin is needed, according to an ABC News report.
This is important, of course, because diabetics do not produce insulin or their bodies do not use the insulin they do produce correctly.
ABC News interviewed 14-year-old Sarah Carlow, who was part of a recent trial. She was able to forgo multiple finger sticks, carbohydrate counting and several insulin injections each day during the trial. When she exercised or ate, the artificial pancreas made the correct adjustments. Early results suggest the device can control patients’ blood sugar levels better than they can do on their own.
To find out more info about the Artificial Pancreas Project, click here.
