In a nutshell
This study examined the safety of an artificial pancreas system. The current study concluded that the artificial pancreas system is safe and also provides better blood sugar control than insulin pump therapy.
Some background
Achieving normal blood sugar levels can be challenging for patients. An artificial pancreas system has been developed in order to have automatic blood sugar control. An artificial pancreas system consists of a continuous glucose monitor to measure blood sugar levels and an insulin pump (a device that delivers insulin as needed through a tube inserted under the skin). These two elements communicate with each other to allow for automatic glucose control. Artificial pancreas systems can also release another important hormone called glucagon. Glucagon plays a role in controlling blood sugar levels. These components have been combined into a wearable device. However, the performance and safety of artificial pancreas systems is still being studied.
Methods & findings
This phase 1 study included 10 type 1 diabetic patients. Patients used the artificial pancreas system in the research center for one day and one night, followed by 3 days of use in their homes. Patients also underwent 4 days of insulin pump therapy with continuous glucose monitoring at home (the control period).
The percentage of time spent with normal blood sugar levels was 84.7% for the artificial pancreas and 68.5% for the control. Time spent with very low blood sugar levels was 1.3% for the artificial pancreas and 2.4% for the control.
The bottom line
The study concluded that the artificial pancreas system is safe and also provides better blood sugar control than insulin pump therapy.
The fine print
There were only 10 patients included in this study. Further studies with larger numbers of participants are needed to confirm these results.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Mar 21, 2016
