In France, the created artificial pancreas apparatus, which is intended for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, is undergoing clinical trials, allowing automatic control of blood sugar levels and insulin injections.
Hyperglycemia (an increase in the level of glucose in the blood serum) in type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, which leads to absolute insulin deficiency. With this pathology, patients are forced to constantly carry out self-monitoring of blood sugar levels, maintaining its optimal values, namely avoiding hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. The only treatment is insulin replacement therapy.
Recently, a special sensor has been increasingly installed in patients with diabetes mellitus, which makes it easier for them to control the level of glucose in the blood, however, the final decision on what dosage of insulin should be administered remains with the patient.
The French artificial pancreas called Diabeloop fully automates the whole process, improving the quality of life of patients with diabetes. A device in the form of a small box is installed in the pancreas. Diabeloop has a built-in Bluetooth module that allows you to control the device using a smartphone: the patient only needs to make insulin input settings and the estimated meal time. An artificial pancreas will independently check the level of glucose in the blood and control the administration of insulin.
Currently, tests of the device's operability in patients of ten French clinics are being conducted. Now the study involved 15 patients with type 1 diabetes, but, according to scientists, their number will increase significantly in the future. If the tests are successful, then Diabeloop will go on sale at the end of 2017. It is known that in France part of the cost of the device will be covered by medical insurance.
The inventors hope that Diabeloop will not only help make life easier for patients, but also reduce the huge number of hospitalizations for patients with diabetes.
The article is based on materials .
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