The first human trials of the latest prototype of an artificial pancreas for those with type 1 diabetes have discovered that the device has worked without causing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar .
In an ideal world, this kind of automated device would eventually free type 1 diabetics from taking insulin injections which many of them need every day.
It would also relieve them of the continuous need to monitor blood sugar levels and monitor what they eat.
The device has been produced by a collaboration between experts from Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston University, .
It delivers two hormones which are inadequate in type 1 diabetes, insulin, which stabilises blood sugar levels after a meal, and glucagon, a natural hormone which prevents blood sugar levels from falling too low.
Prospect of Artificial Pancreas for Type 1 Diabetes Closer
Fri, 23 Apr 2010
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