On September 28, the National Institutes of Health released information on a pivotal trial for the insulin-only bionic pancreas study. The trial was led by principal investigator, Janet B. McGill, MD, and sub-investigators, Julie M. Silverstein, MD; Maamoun Salam, MD; Samantha Adamson, MD, PhD; and Andrea Cedeno, MD.
The bionic pancreas is unique, closed-loop insulin pump, because it requires absolutely no programming from providers (doctors or diabetes educators) and no entry of carbohydrates or insulin doses by the patient. It uses input from Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor, and a sophisticated algorithm to determine insulin doses, both basal and mealtime. The patient with type 1 diabetes is asked to “announce” a meal, but unlike other pumps, the patient does not have to calculate carbohydrates in the meal or insulin doses. Use of the bionic pancreas improved hemoglobin A1c by 0.5% compared with usual care.
Learn more by visiting the official news release below.
Bionic pancreas improves type 1 diabetes management compared to standard insulin delivery methods