The Artificial Pancreas: A Revolution in Diabetes Treatment
Dr Opurbo Chowdhury for DOT
Diabetes is a chronic disorder that distresses millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body cannot produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that adjusts blood sugar. It can lead to vari ous health complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. One of the most hopeful develop ments in the treatment of diabetes in recent years has been the advent of the artificial pancreas. It is known as a “closedloop” or “bionic” pancreas. Its purpose is to mimic the function of a healthy pancreas by automatically mon itoring blood sugar levels and adminis tering insulin as needed. The artificial pancreas contains two main compo nents: a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump. The CGM is a small sensor. It is inserted under the skin and continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. Then the data is transmitted to an insulin pump. It pumps insulin as needed. One of the main advantages of the artificial pancreas is the ability to adjust insulin. It works by delivery in response to changing glucose levels automatical ly. As a result, it allows for better blood sugar control and a reduced risk of hypoglycaemia. The artificial pancreas removes the need for patients to check their blood sugar and administer insulin manually. It is a burden for many people with diabetes. Clinical trials have shown that using an artificial pancreas improves glucose control and quality. It works primarily of life for people with type 1 diabetes.
In one study, adults with type 1 diabetes who used an artificial pancreas for five days significantly reduced their HbAlc levels, a measure of longterm blood sugar control, compared to those who used a traditional insulin pump. In children and adolescents with type a diabetes, it tested. In a study of chil dren aged 613, those who used an arti ficial pancreas for five days significantly improved their glucose control. It is a drop in the time spent with low blood sugar compared to those who used a tra ditional insulin pump. The development of the artificial pan cress has been a collaborative effort involving researchers, clinicians, and industry partners. Several companies are currently developing and testing their versions of the technology. American FDA approved a few systems, Medtronic’s MiniMed 67oG, Tandem’s ControllQ and Insulet’s Omnipod Horizon. While the artificial pancreas is still in the process of being fully developed, the results so far are promising. It offers the potential for better blood sugar control. It also reduces the risk of hypogly caemia. This machine can improve the quality of life for people with type 1 dia betes. As research continues and tech nology improves, it may be possible to use an artificial pancreas to treat people with type 2 diabetes. The artificial pancreas is a revolution ary technology that can potentially improve the lives of people with diabetes meaningfully. It’s an advance that signi fees a bright future for diabetes treat ment. It shows how technology can bet ter manage and control the condition. The artificial pancreas also marks a sig nificant step forward in improving the daily life of people with chronic dis eases.