Medtronic has recently received approval for the production and use of an artificial pancreas for patients with type 1 diabetes. The first patients will receive their devices in early 2017.
The device received the name MiniMed 670G and is rather simple: it consists of a very sensitive sensor and an insulin pump. The sensor determines the level of sugar in the blood, and if it deviates strongly from average values, the pump automatically injects insulin to the person. Measurements are made 1 time in 5 minutes and completely free a person from the need to carry out manipulations independently.
It is worth noting that insulin pumps and sensors for determining blood sugar levels exist on the market today, but both of these solutions have a number of limitations. Patients with insulin pumps are forced to manually measure the level of sugar, and people using sensors must self-administer insulin doses. The Medtronic artificial pancreas combines 2 devices into one and thereby significantly improves the quality of life of patients. Other medical companies also produce such devices, but MiniMed 670G is the first invention of its kind permitted for diabetics of practically all ages (the official age limit for use is 14 years).
The price of the device has not been officially announced yet, but according to preliminary data, the MiniMed 670G will cost 5-8 thousand dollars. In addition, every year the device will need to replace the sensor, which costs about 2 thousand dollars.
The article is based on materials .
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