There is a new development on the horizon for diabetics. It concerns the development of an artificial pancreas which could help to regulate the insulin levels of millions who suffer from the devastating effects of diabetes.
Called the artificial pancreas project, it represents the first artificial device that would automatically deliver insulin to an individual suffering from type 1 diabetes as it is needed. Being able to control sugar levels on a continuous basis, with a very minimal amount of effort, means that these individuals would give diabetics the world over a much great quality of life. At the same time, having a consistently normal level of insulin would alleviate many complications that result from poor glucose management.
The system works by delivering two crucial hormones that are typically missing in type 1 diabetes. Those hormones are glucagon, which prevents the blood sugar from dipping too low, and insulin, which maintains blood sugar levels from going too high after eating.
Statistics show that even individuals who consistently work at checking their glucose levels were only able to keep them in the normal range a third of the time. This device would not only take away the burden of maintaining these levels, but preventing complications from arising as a result of poor management could save billions in health care costs each year.
Since the device is completely self-sufficient, it warrants the title of being called a “closed-loop” system. This means that no input is required of the individual. Researchers hope that being able to implement this new type of technology will also help to advance them towards a cure for type 1 diabetes.
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