The artificial pancreas might sound like something taken out a futuristic science fiction film, but it is a very realistic scientific approach aimed at helping people with diabetes automatically control their blood glucose level by providing a substitute for the function of a healthy human pancreas. The artificial pancreas is actually a name for all of the various different technologies in development that can possibly substitute the endocrinal function of the pancreas. Artificial pancreas technologies could truly transform the lives of those living with Type 1 Diabetes, allowing them to live longer and healthier lives and preventing at least part of the personal and financial toll diabetes takes.
The different technologies in development include:
- The bioengineering approach: the development of an artificial pancreas consisting of a “sheet” of encapsulated beta cells (those that produce insulin in the pancreas). When this sheet is implanted, it should substitute the function of healthy pancreatic beta cells and last for years at a time.
- The gene therapy approach- using genetically engineered viruses that can cause intestinal or other glucose-sensitive cells to become insulin-producing cells. There are also efforts going into trying to reverse beta-cell destruction by curing the cause.
- The medical device approach: a continuous blood glucose sensor connected to an insulin pump under automated closed loop control. The continuous blood glucose sensor feeds the insulin pump with real time data (using novel software), allowing it to adjust insulin doses.
The bioengineering approach is now in animal testing stages, with hopes for human clinical trials in the next few years. The gene therapy approach is advancing quickly but has many hurdles to overcome before it can be used as a proper therapeutic tool.
The medical device approach, on the other hand, is already being tested in short term clinical trials for type 1 diabetes, and may very much be a reality in the relatively near future. While not a biological cure for diabetes, scientists are trying to mimic the healthy human pancreas as closely as possible. This type of artificial pancreas will be especially useful overnight when the vast majority of hypo emergencies occur. The main goal is to increase “time in range” as much as possible.
There is no doubt that these technologies have the potential to transform lives of millions of people around the globe, especially those who find it difficult to maintain good blood glucose control; both on a physical level and on an emotional level. But don’t hurry to throw away your home glucose meter– even though the artificial pancreas will definitely improve quality of life drastically for people with diabetes, users will still need to monitor it closely by checking blood sugar levels to make sure that everything is functioning smoothly.
By Liran Julia Grunhaus