Diabetes Care Breakthrough: The First FDA-Approved Artificial Pancreas

When finger pricks, sugar lows, and insulin shots are not far from your thoughts, have faith, people suffering from diabetes: the FDA has recently approved the very first artificial pancreas – a hybrid closed-loop system that includes an insulin pump with a continuous glucose monitor. This impressive product doesn’t just instantaneously stop the insulin pump if the patient’s blood glucose level drops too low, but can even predetermine the decrease, which will help prevent it before it occurs.

This specific higher level automation provides a breath of relief for diabetes sufferers, taking away the need to be on endless alert regarding their condition, along with the anxiety about overnight sugar lows.

“You get almost normalized overnight blood glucose. For people with Type 1 diabetes, that’s massively important,” states Aaron Kowalski, chief mission officer for the JDRF, which has funded a large amount of research. “The diabetes isn’t gone, but [wearers] can think about it less …This is a historic milestone.”

While certainly, there are still enhancements to be worked through, such as the amount of time necessary for the insulin to work and the accessibility of the CGM component, for many, the improved quality of life to be realized is significant.

Diabetes care services, like those offered by our Laguna Hills senior care professionals, can help people with diabetes improve medication management, diet, and quality of life. To find out more ways to help make overall life easier for those with diabetes, contact CareWorks Health Services.