"Closing the loop: Artificial pancreas may be just a few years away"

In a recent article, published in Endocrine Today on September 1, 2009, information regarding the advancements and steps towards successfully building an Artificial Pancreas are presented. This article which gives a simple introduction into the idea of the Artificial Pancreas, provides excellent information into the development of the device. Describing the recent trials done by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Center, the article elaborates on the process by which the center has taken to testing the device and it's effectiveness. Also, repeatedly it mentions the centers estimated time frame for when they expect the first generation product to be available; in the next few years is the answer given. Currently, those who suffer from Diabetes have the difficult task of controlling their glycemic levels everyday; the main issue with this is that they may not be able to prevent slipping into hypo or hyperglycemia by watching their diets, especially during the night when one is sleeping and may begin to suffer from hypoglycemia. The purpose of the Artificial Pancreas is to be able to sensor insulin and glucose levels in the body and regulate these levels just as the natural pancreas. The current trouble is with sensors and the algorithm that regulates dosage and the timing of delivery. These are still relatively primitive, but are expected to continue to become more advanced in the next few years, hopefully reaching the point needed for the device to work successfully. If this process can be successful, it will cut down the work Diabetes patients have to do to stay healthy and over time save them money. It seems this article should leave the population of Diabetes patients feeling confident and relieved that a better lifestyle is possibly on the way.

http://www.endocrinetoday.com/view.aspx?rid=43543