What is an artificial pancreas?
The artificial pancreas combines an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor and can alert the patient if their levels are getting too high or too low.
Dr. Roman Hovorka at the University of Cambridge is working on perfecting a computer programme (or algorithm) that enables the pump and sensor to “talk” to each other. Once this is perfected, the combined device will form a ‘closed loop’. It will respond to the body’s blood glucose levels and deliver the right amount of insulin as needed - without the need for human intervention.
Dr Hovorka’s team are testing the technology with children, because this age group is the most challenging in which to achieve consistently normal glucose levels. “This technology will enable a child with type 1 diabetes to achieve better glucose and HbA1c levels by automatically providing the right amount of insulin at the right time, just as the pancreas does in people without the condition,” said Hovorka.
Find out more about the UK clinical trials.
We need your help to make sure the artificial pancreas becomes available as quickly as possible.
Want to learn more?
Click here for JDRF's frequently asked questions and answers.
JDRF is grateful for donations towards the Artificial Pancreas Project from the following organisations. Click on the links below to find out more:
Football Aid
(Grant was delivered through Field of Dreams with money raised by Football Aid)
The Garfield Weston Foundation
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