They're working on developing a closed loop system where readings from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) are used to directly control an insulin pump. Currently those of us with CGMs and insulin pumps have got an open loop system, we need to take the readings from the CGM and decide whether we need insulin or food.
Clearly this is a difficult problem to solve. How would such a system know if you were sick? What would it do when you're about to exercise? How would it handle changing insulin needs for children who are growing?
Now you have a chance to learn more about this project. On July 21st and 22nd the FDA, NIH and JDRF are holding a public workshop 'focused upon the state of the art in the research and development of an artificial pancreas'.
The meeting will be in Bethesda Maryland at the NIH campus. Building 38A on this map. Space is limited so you do need to register.
I would love to go to this workshop, but I'll be out of the country.
Can I ask you a favor? If you go the workshop can you write up a summary of what's discussed and post it to the blogosphere?
Attribution: The illustration above is from the JDRF site.
I've had type 1 diabetes for a long time and I've spent much of that time hoping for, and thinking about, a possible cure for diabetes. But I'm also very interested in the research that JDRF is doing on an artificial pancreas.
I can understand how a closed loop between a continuous glucose monitoring system and an insulin pump could work to control my basal (background insulin) rate. But I really didn't see how it might also be possible to effectively give boluses (larger doses for meals or BG correction) with such a system.
Yesterday I stumbled across a short paper in Diabetes Care, Detection of a Meal using CGM. The authors describe a Meal Detection Algorithm that allows them to detect a meal about 30 minutes after the person has started eating!
It's not perfect - but we already know that's true for most of diabetes care. Uf this brings the Artificial Pancreas a little closer and make diabetes treatment a little easier, I'll take it.
Insulin is not a cure. But automatic insulin delivery is a step in the right direction.
Update: There will be a workshop with updates from the artificial pancreas project in late July 2008.
I came across a report from the BBC about work on an artificial pancreas in Cambridge, England.
Apparently trials are currently being done on 12 children aged from 5 to 18. The work involves a continuous glucose monitor that's fitted under the skin, though it's not clear who makes this.
The research is led by Dr. Roman Hovorka, and it seems as if they're making real progress. I also came across slides and audio for a presentation that he gave.
This is all part of the artificial pancreas project being led by JDRF. Sounds like this project will lead to some interesting treatment options.
The Diabetes Technology Blog is focused on using technology to life better with diabetes. I review: blood glucose monitors; continuous glucose monitor; blood sugar meters; diabetes software and living with diabetes.
About Me
Name: Bernard Farrell
Location: Massachusetts, United States
I was born in Ireland and now live in the US.
I have had Type 1 diabetes for over 35 years. I struggle with my blood sugar, the same as most people with diabetes.
I wear a Cozmo 1800 insulin pump and a Dexcom SEVEN CGM to track my blood glucose levels. I also take Symlin to help control my post-meal blood sugars.
I'm blessed by God, and every day brings the possibility of a cure.
They're working on developing a closed loop system where readings from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) are used to directly control an insulin pump. Currently those of us with CGMs and insulin pumps have got an open loop system, we need to take the readings from the CGM and decide whether we need insulin or food.
