The pancreas plays a significant role in our lives. For those who have diabetes, the pancreas does not work like how it should. With the technological advancement we are experiencing today, is it possible to produce a new pancreas?

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Is getting a new pancreas possible?

Patients, doctors, and innovators are currently working together to develop such a device. Medical device systems that mimic the function of a human pancreas are known as artificial pancreas systems. The system consists of a glucose meter, an insulin pump, and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). It can increase, decrease, or completely stop the flow of insulin into the blood while continually monitoring the level of glucose in the blood.

How will it work?

The artificial pancreas device system is made up of four parts: the patient, an insulin pump, a computer-controlled algorithm, and a continuous glucose monitor. These elements collaborate to control the levels of insulin and blood sugar. There are several distinct kinds of insulin administration systems, depending on the devices being used. Some examples are suspended thresholds, insulin-only systems, and dual-hormone systems.

When blood glucose levels drop too low, suspend systems employ CGM data to automatically stop insulin delivery. Based on the blood glucose level, insulin-only systems can increase or decrease insulin delivery. These systems frequently use patient calculations to determine doses for meals. The dual-hormone systems use glucagon and insulin to raise and drop blood sugar, precisely like a pancreas and liver would in the body.

Monitoring Glucose Continuously

You are familiar with CGMs if you use our adhesive patches for your Freestyle Libre, Dexcom G6, Medtronic Guardian, or Eversene devices. They are medical gadgets that actively sense the blood’s glucose level. Users can obtain minute-by-minute blood sugar measurements and use that information to organize their own care.

Insulin Pump

Insulin is released into the body through insulin pumps. The cells employ this insulin to control blood glucose levels. While many insulin pumps use presets to continuously release the same quantity of insulin throughout the day, pumps used in an Artificial Pancreas Device System work with the CGM, algorithm, and patient to supply the body’s insulin in response to changes in blood glucose.

Computer Controlled Algorithm

The intricate calculations and modifications required to autonomously control the quantity of insulin that pumps should deliver into the body can be managed by software. The algorithm is in charge of merging the CGM and insulin pump functions to cooperate.

The Patient

Since the patient is the target of this array of devices, they are the most crucial component of the artificial pancreas system. Their devices are responsible for adjusting to their needs as their metabolism, level of activity, nutrition, and insulin requirements alter. Additionally, the patient is generally in charge of monitoring and maintaining these devices because the sensors need to be changed and the insulin pumps need to be restocked. Until technology advances, the patient will also need to calibrate these gadgets.

What contraindications are there with an artificial pancreas system?

The synthetic pancreas system isn’t entirely self-sufficient or self-managing. In the end, users are still in charge of controlling their blood sugar. Although the CGM and insulin pump can handle most of the work for you, they may require periodic calibration, maintenance, or replacement. The artificial pancreas system still requires meal input and carb counting because it cannot control mealtime insulin without the user’s input.

How do I obtain one?

Before you can gain permission for a comprehensive artificial pancreas system, there may be some red tape similar to that for other medical devices. A doctor’s prescription and insurance coverage are required to pay for the cost. The insurer might not pay the whole cost of your system depending on your coverage.

Taking part in medical research trials is another way you might receive an artificial pancreas device. The effectiveness of tools, medications, software and other elements of diabetes treatment are evaluated through clinical studies. By taking part in research, you can access innovative tools and techniques as well as provide input on the newest tools to assist other diabetics to enjoy better lives.

4 Benefits of Artificial Pancreas Device System