The device has been manufactured by the company Medtronic and its use means that patients with Type 1 diabetes will no longer need to continually check their glucose levels. Instead, the device carries out this function by regularly assessing levels of glucose (every five minutes) and either administering or withholding insulin according to the glucose levels in the body.
Due to this functionality the device has been dubbed an “artificial pancreas.” Glucose measurements are undertaken through a sensor and insulin is controlled through the use of a drug pump and tube system. This is shown in the following video:
The device is called the MiniMed 670G. The FDA approval means that it is approved for Type 1 diabetes patients aged 14 years and older. A variant of the device will be manufactured for use with children between the ages of 7 and 13.
While the device introduces considerable advantages, patients will still need to increase insulin manually before eating meals.
Commenting on the device, Dr. Jeffery Shuren, who is the director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said to the medical website Bioscience Technology: “The FDA is dedicated to making technologies available that can help improve the quality of life for those with chronic diseases – especially those that require day-to-day maintenance and on-going attention.”
The regulator also added: “This first-of-its-kind technology can provide people with type 1 diabetes greater freedom to live their lives without having to consistently and manually monitor baseline glucose levels and administer insulin.”
Diabetes mellitus type 1 is typically diagnosed in children and young adults. The autoimmune disease refers to a condition where the pancreas does not manufacture insulin. The lack of insulin results in high blood sugar levels. The main symptoms are frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, and weight loss. Those with the condition need to continuously monitor glucose levels and manage their insulin levels with a drug pump or through regular injections.
