An artificial pancreas developed to keep an eye on blood sugar, otherwise known as glucose, has recently brought hope to diabetics all around the world. The possibility of making life easier for those with Type 1 diabetes is currently still in works, but has given positive results. Researchers may have created just the right device that would put the constant injections and insulin pumps to a stop.
The condition also known as ‘juvenile diabetes’ gets its name from the statistics that out of 1,25 million people afflicted in America, 200, 000 are all under the age of twenty. It occurs when the body’s own immune system destroys the pancreatic cells that generate insulin, a needed hormone that transforms glucose into energy.
In order to compensate for the loss, patients with diabetes require daily doses of insulin injections or therapy with insulin pumps. It implies multiple uses of syringes or otherwise invading devices and it doesn’t stop there.
Patients afflicted must keep constant track of their glucose level and calculate their body’s need for insulin daily, as well as anticipating it because the time gap between the injection and its effect can be large. It’s a hassle, a worry and applies great stress to a normal day-to-day life of a diabetic.
It takes pricking of the skin multiple times a day, even more difficult for those who have a natural fear of needles or blood. Researchers are currently developing a way to help them by making the entire process less complicated and painless.
The artificial pancreas meant to be implanted will keep track all by itself of the patient’s blood sugar levels and will automatically inject the insulin according to its needs. The algorithm within the device monitors glucose levels and calculates the amount of insulin required accordingly. It will free those with the condition from the constant worry and vigilance of possibly crashing down at any moment if they’re not careful.
It will also eliminate the urgency of anticipation as it will close the time gap between injection and effect, along with any human errors made possible by miscalculations. The artificial pancreas will maintain the blood sugar levels at normal levels. It will regenerate itself by measuring the food intake and by functioning at night, while the patient sleeps.
So far, the device has a rate of 80% success and researchers are ready to take it to the next step by testing it on animals. If the results prove positive, there is a new, easier lifestyle waiting for diabetics.
Image source: myotcstore.com
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