Diabetes UK’s research to develop an artificial pancreas

Comment: Charity Diabetes UK has funded two research project to develop an artificial pancreas for Type 1 diabetes sufferers.

The artificial pancreas is composed of a small device that monitors glucose levels in the body and which is connected to the patient’s abdomen via a small drip tube that administers insulin when necessary.

Patients need to check their glucose levels in the blood several times a day to calibrate the machine but this device is planned to replace the cumbersome insuline injections.

The artificial pancreas wearer must learn to adjust the insuline levels thoughout the day according to diet and exercise.

The pump can be disconnected for a maximum of one hour if the wearer practices contact sports or swimming.

Original article: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Research/Research-round-up/Research-spotlight—the-artificial-pancreas/