Sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy for type 1 diabetes

We've seen some major advances in diabetes, insulin pumps, and glucose meters. I'm still waiting for the day when someone will announce that we have a fully functional artificial pancreas that doesn't require any user-input.  Then, we'll have a truly closed-loop system that doesn't require any modifications from the user. A patient with type 1 diabetes could eat anything and this artificial pancreas would adjust the insulin dosages and regulate blood sugar like a real pancreas.

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) recently published several articles about some technology advances in the care of patients with diabetes. Those articles are:

• Effectiveness of Sensor-Augmented Insulin-Pump Therapy in Type 1 Diabetes
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring — Coming of Age

We're probably going to see an increase in the use of continuous glucose monitors among patients with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Will this eventually become the "standard of care?" Right now, many people are unable to afford continuous glucose monitors and sensor-augmented pumps. How will this change over the next decade? Perhaps the biggest question is: who's going to pay for this expensive technology? If you're on the government-sponsored "public option" insurance plan, will you get coverage for this type of technology?

People with Diabetes Get All the Cool Gadgets

Does it seem like people who have diabetes end up with all the cool gadgets and gizmos? Take a look at this thing called the OmniPod PDM (Personal Diabetes Manager). Looks like a cool gadget! The handheld PDM has a large color screen and can wirelessly program your personalized insulin delivery. It also calculates suggested doses and has a convenient, built-in FreeStyle blood glucose meter. What about all those people who use Accu-Check? I suppose they can easily get accustomed to a different system since most of these glucose meters have similar functionality. People with diabetes are constantly in need of new medical supplies because they need to check their blood glucose levels.

As these diabetes devices get more sophisticated, i wonder if we will see a truely closed-loop artificial pancreas become commercialized in our lifetime. What if we could implant an artificial pancreas and cure diabetes? Wouldn't that be fantastic? Thanks to modern technology, diagnostic and self care equipment have all gotten very sophisticated and have also become easier to use. As patients get more comfortable managing their conditions, let's hope this will reduce the chronic diseases burden on the healthcare system. Image source: DiabetesMine.

Transdermal Continuous Glucose Monitoring (tCGM) System

It's about time someone came up with a non-invasive glucose meter. Looks like echo therapeutics may have something really novel here. Their Symphony transdermal CGM system uses no needles and provides continuous glucose readings and trends.

Once again, the wireless transmitter uses Bluetooth technology. Security standards will need to increase if sensitive health information is being transmitted wirelessly. What types of security protocols and data encryption will be necessary?

It's really exciting to see all the R&D advances focusing on the "artificial pancreas." Soon, people with diabetes may have automated devices that monitor and control their glucose levels. Wouldn't that be something?