Artificial pancreas closer?

A study from Cambridge has shown that a closed-loop insulin pump can provide glycaemic control that is superior to a conventional insulin pump in children with type 1 diabetes (Lancet 2010; published online 5 February).

Used during exercise, at night and after meals, the closed-loop system achieved more time in the target blood glucose range (60 versus 40%), less time with low glucose levels (<3.9mmol/l: 2.1 versus 4.1%), and no severe hypoglycaemia (<3.0mmol/l: 0 versus 9 cases).

Several trials of closed loop systems are now underway in adults and children. The Paradigm Veo, marketed by Medtronic, is currently the only system that shuts off the insulin supply if blood glucose falls below a threshold level.