In a nutshell
This study examined the safety and effectiveness of the artificial pancreas at night in type 1 diabetic patients.
Some background
An artificial pancreas is a system composed of an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. This system is not currently used in diabetic patients as trials are still being carried out. An insulin pump allows the patient to enter in the carbohydrate content of a meal and the pump releases insulin based on this. A continuous glucose monitor is a device which allows patients to view their blood glucose (sugar) levels in real-time. The continuous glucose monitor sends the information on blood glucose levels to the insulin pump wirelessly, allowing the pump to release insulin in a glucose-dependent manner.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether using the artificial pancreas can reduce hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) and increase the time blood glucose levels spend in the target range. This study involved 13 patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Blood glucose levels were recorded in participants over 2 nights. Participants ate an evening meal and also ate a meal at night. On the first night, patients controlled the insulin that was injected. On the second night, the artificial pancreas determined the amount of insulin to release into the blood.
Patients spent less time in hypoglycemia conditions (glucose levels < 3.9 mmol/L) on the second night (2% of time) when the artificial pancreas controlled the release of insulin in comparison to the first night (13% of time). Although the average blood glucose levels were similar on both nights, the time in the target range of 3.9 – 10 mmol/L was higher on the second night (84% of time) compared to the first night (62% of time).
The bottom line
This study concluded that the artificial pancreas is safe and effective after patients have eaten a meal in the evening or a meal at night.
The fine print
The sample size of 13 patients was quite small. In addition, the effectiveness of the artificial pancreas was only monitored over a 48 hour period.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Jan 20, 2015
