Health and beauty

 Artificial pancreas: A new technology to help diabetics

Introduction:

The artificial pancreas, also known as a closed-loop system or hybrid closed-loop system, represents a breakthrough in diabetes management technology. It integrates continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with automated insulin delivery, mimicking the function of a healthy pancreas. This innovative approach offers hope to people with type 1 diabetes by providing better glucose control and reducing the burden of constant monitoring and insulin dosing. In this article, we look at the concept of the artificial pancreas, its development, benefits and potential impact on diabetes care.

Tens of thousands of people with type 1 diabetes in England will benefit from a technology called an artificial pancreas to help them manage their health.

The technology uses a device implanted under the skin to automatically monitor glucose levels and calculate the amount of insulin pumped into the body.

Later this month, the Department of Health will begin contacting adults and children who could benefit from the technology.

However, officials warned that it could take up to five years before the device is available to everyone in the country who needs it.

This is because of difficulties in manufacturing enough of the devices and the need to train more health workers to use them.

In trials, the technology improved patients' conditions and reduced the risk of long-term health complications.

At the end of last year, the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence recommended that the NHS begin using the device.

There are 300,000 people with type 1 diabetes in England, including 29,000 children.

This means that their pancreas is unable to produce insulin, an important hormone that helps convert food into energy.

As a result, they must closely monitor their blood glucose levels and inject themselves with insulin every day of their lives.

The technology does this automatically, just like the pancreas, but it needs information about food intake to work accurately.

The technology is designed to protect people with type 1 diabetes from dangerously low or high glucose levels, which can lead to fainting or even death.

It also helps them monitor their overall blood glucose levels, minimising the risk of health complications that can cause heart disease, vision problems and kidney disease.

Scotland also offers the technology to its diabetic patients, and Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to do so soon.

Gemma, 38, who is using the device as part of a trial initiated by the Department of Health, says it has completely changed her life.

"I no longer have to worry about work stress affecting my glucose levels because the device catches things before they become a problem," she says.

"I can sleep through the night without worrying that a low glucose level will affect my work in the morning. I feel that my diabetes is more stable".

"It's great"

Prof Partha Kar, a diabetes consultant at the Department of Health, said the procedure was "good news for all type 1 diabetes patients".

This cutting-edge technology "not only improves medical care, but also provides comfort and reassurance to the patient," he said.

Dr Claire Hambling, a diabetes physician at the Department of Health, says the technology "has the potential to completely change the lives of people with type 1 diabetes".

"Type 1 diabetes is easily misdiagnosed, so if you are concerned about these symptoms - going to the toilet and urinating a lot, thirst, feeling tired, feeling thin - you should see a doctor," she adds.

"It's great to see this technology being made available to people," said Colette Marshall, director of Diabetes UK. "It's a truly historic moment.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approved the device for use in public health in December last year. The NHS has a five-year programme to roll it out to everyone who needs it.

The Institute has recommended it for people with type 1 diabetes, children under 18, pregnant women and those with cumulative glucose levels above 7.5 per cent.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the artificial pancreas represents a significant advance in diabetes management technology, offering improved glycaemic control and quality of life for people with type 1 diabetes. With its ability to automate insulin delivery based on real-time glucose levels, the artificial pancreas has the potential to revolutionise diabetes care and reduce the risk of complications associated with fluctuating blood glucose levels. While challenges such as cost, accessibility and regulatory approval remain, ongoing research and development efforts continue to drive progress in this area. As the technology evolves and acceptance increases, the artificial pancreas promises to be a game-changer in diabetes management, enabling people to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.