Artificial pancreas a step nearer

Using an artificial pancreas system overnight can significantly reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, when blood glucose levels drop dangerously low, while sleeping.

These so-called ‘hypos’ are a major concern for children and adults with type 1 diabetes.

The artificial pancreas system combines a continuous glucose monitor and an insulin pump, both already on the market, and uses a new algorithm to calculate the appropriate amount of insulin to deliver based on the real-time glucose readings.

As well as obviating the need for multiple daily finger-prick tests and insulin injections, the artificial pancreas offers better control of blood glucose levels overnight.

In a study, 17 children and teenagers aged between five and 18 with type 1 diabetes were studied during 54 nights at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

The Cambridge team measured how well the artificial pancreas system controlled glucose levels compared with the children’s regular continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump, which delivers insulin at preselected rates.

The study included nights when the children went to bed after eating a large evening meal or having done early evening exercise.