The harm that diabetes can inflict on the human body is due to the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin Because insulin is essential for survival, people with diabetes must inject it artificially. But this is often risky. Too much insulin can cause serious complications, and too little can lead to coma and death. For years, scientists have been working on creating a computerized, artificial pancreas that will continually measure the blood sugar level.
Scientists at the University of Virginia, Faculty of Medicine and Harvard, John A. Paulson, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, have been working on developing a computerized, artificial pancreas device system for years. The Artificial Pancreas Device System is a system of devices that closely mimics the glucose-regulating function of a healthy pancreas. The goal of the artificial pancreas is to automatically monitor and regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, it will eliminate the need for people with type 1 diabetes to stick their fingers to check their blood sugar frequently and manually inject insulin.
It consists of three types of devices. A continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM), an insulin infusion pump and a blood glucose device. The blood glucose device is a glucose meter. Thus, we use it to calibrate the CGM.
How does the artificial pancreas work?
The artificial pancreas measures blood sugar levels using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Then the CGM transmits this information to an insulin pump. This device calculates and releases the required amount of insulin into the body. This is the same just as the pancreas does in people without diabetes.
The Do-It-Yourself Pancreas System (#DIYPS)
The Do-It-Yourself Pancreas System (#DIYPS) was created by Dana Lewis and Scott Leibrand in the fall of 2013. The main goal of #DIYPS is to solve the problem with an existing FDA-approved medical device. The figured out a way to augment continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alerts, which aren’t loud enough to wake heavy sleepers and to alert a loved one if the patient is not responding. #DIYPS can be utilized by those with CGM and insulin pump, CGM and multiple daily injections of insulin as well as for those with no CGM and daily injections.
In my opinion, technology has the potential to change lives. As a result, the artificial pancreas will be a milestone in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. It can make life with diabetes easier. Moreover, it can help people achieve more stable blood glucose levels too. Imagine waking up every day with blood glucose levels in the target range? That is something that we are waiting for.