A
dream come true moment in the history of Diabetes – “September 28, 2016” FDA
approved the Medtronic hybrid closed loop system. This is the first approved system
to automate the dosing of insulin to reduce high blood sugar levels. The Medtronic MiniMed 670G artificial
pancreas system is a result of innovations, ground breaking technologies
and out of the box thinking. This system is composed of an intelligent pump, 4th
generation sensors and software integrating these to create what I would like
to call as a Technological Marvel. In India the use of Insulin pump for
management for Diabetes has increased over the years. Mainly used in Type 1
Diabetes patients, insulin pumps are also used now in patients with
uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes, brittle diabetes or in patients with phobia for
needles. This artificial pancreas would be boon for these patients and would
help them lead a near normal life without a needle prick!
Let’s
have a sneak peek at Artificial Pancreas
This
Automated pancreas will deliver basal dose of insulin at the rate selected by
the user. The user can also program the amount of bolus dose. Currently this
machine is recommended for kids above 14years of age. This system can also be
used for Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS). The data collected via
CGMS will be used by the machine itself to fine-tune the insulin delivery
system.
The MiniMed 670G
System will decrease or stop insulin delivery when it detects the user’s
glucose is low. The machine can also increase the insulin delivery when the
system detects the user’s glucose levels are high. The glucose sensor contains a
wire that is inserted under the skin on the abdomen and measures glucose values
in the tissue fluid. The glucose values are wirelessly sent to the insulin
pump, and displayed on the pump screen. The insulin pump delivers a prescribed
dosage of insulin through an infusion set. The insulin pump can automatically
adjust the delivery of insulin using an algorithm that incorporates information
from the CGMS.
The system has
two modes; Manual Mode and Auto Mode. While in Manual Mode, the system can be
programmed by the user to deliver basal insulin at a preprogrammed constant
rate. The system will automatically suspend delivery of insulin if the sensor glucose
value falls below or is predicted to fall below a predetermined threshold. The system
will also automatically resume delivery of insulin once sensor glucose values rise
above or are predicted to rise above a predetermined threshold. While in Auto Mode,
the system can automatically adjust basal insulin by continuously increasing, decreasing,
or suspending delivery of insulin based on CGM values (different from Manual
Mode where basal insulin is delivered at a constant rate). Although Auto Mode can
automatically adjust basal insulin delivery without input from the user, the
user must still manually deliver insulin therapy during meals
The full details
regarding the machine and approval status can be viewed in the FDA website http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/default.htm
The initial investment
and running costs are not very clear at the moment but, few extra bucks on a
hassle free system won’t hurt our pockets. Secondly this machine will alleviate
the need for daily pricks. India being the Diabetes capital, we hope this
machine will be introduced in India soon. Good work Medtronics!
Really a good news sir, Thank you for updating us, Are these available in India now?
ReplyDeleteThank you sir.. I feel it will take some more time to enter the Indian market.. It has just now got FDA approvals. some more approvals pending for it to be marketed in India
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing, A very good news.
ReplyDelete