New diabetes pump mimics the pancreas by anticipating blood sugar level and stopping insulin being delivered

April 1, 2015  12:54

A new type of diabetes pump has been launched which mimics the pancreas more closely than ever.

The device uses sensors to anticipate blood sugar levels and suspend the delivery of insulin if those levels are going down.

The ‘predictive’ pump technology is designed to prevent blood sugar lows before they happen – unlike existing pumps that can only shut off insulin delivery afterwards.

Patients with type 1 diabetes can also avoid overnight hypos, the most feared complication of the disease and the one most likely to lead to sudden death, known as ‘Dead in Bed’ syndrome.

The new Medtronic MiniMed 640G, which costs £2,995, has been used in trials in the UK and some hospitals are now offering it to patients with severe diabetes.

Around 300,000 Britons suffer from Type 1 diabetes – a lifelong condition usually diagnosed in children or young adults – which is when the pancreas stops producing insulin.

People with diabetes must take insulin to lower their blood glucose, but food intake, stress and exercise can affect the amount of insulin required.

When insulin levels get too low, it can cause shakiness, hunger, nausea, fatigue, impaired vision, seizures, and in severe cases, even death.

High levels can, over time, lead to long-term complications such as blindness, kidney failure, cardiovascular disease and limb amputation.

Patients have to inject themselves with insulin between two and five times a day and constantly monitor their blood sugar levels by pricking their fingers and putting samples on testing strips.

But some qualify for wearable insulin pumps on the NHS that free them from having constant injections of insulin.

Dr Pratik Choudhary, Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Diabetes at King’s College London, said between 20 and 30 patients were using the new pump at his unit.

He said it was like having a car with antilock brakes to head off an accident rather than relying on an airbag once one was in progress.

He said ‘This new MiniMed 640g system represents another important step forward towards an artificial pancreas.

‘Our early experience is that patients love it for the peace of mind and safety it gives them overnight due to its ability to protect them against hypoglycaemia.

‘It will be particularly beneficial for the 5-10 per cent of type 1 patients who experience frequent serious lows or are unable to recognise lows.’

Peter Hammond, consultant diabetologist, Harrogate District Hospital, said ‘Severe hypoglycemia is so feared by many people with type 1 diabetes.

‘Attacks often occur overnight when the patient is sleeping and might be unaware or unable to react in time to prevent them. ‘This is particularly worrying for parents with young children who have the condition.

‘The MiniMed 640G is the only system able to automatically protect patients from hypoglycemia without patient interaction - safely managing type 1 diabetes overnight.

This system steers people with type 1 diabetes away from the risk of severe hypoglycaemia without them even needing to know they were in danger.’

Karen Addington, chief executive of the type 1 diabetes charity the JDRF, said ‘Type 1 diabetes is a complex and challenging condition that is on the rise in the UK. It requires intensive self-management day and night.

‘People affected by the condition – including parents of small children that have it – welcome technology that can help improve blood glucose control and bring increased peace of mind.’ 

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