Artifical pancreas developed in UK could be helping diabetic patients in two years
The artificial organ would automatically monitor blood and insulin levels saving diabetics the hassle of injecting daily
A “BIONIC” pancreas could aid hundreds of thousands of diabetes patients within two years, say UK experts.
It would monitor blood glucose levels and adjust insulin doses automatically.
The pancreas produces insulin to manage blood sugar and turn it into energy. But those with type 1 diabetes need to inject insulin daily, below, as their organ has been damaged by the disease.
The portable device, developed by scientists at Cambridge University, could mean less chance of blindness, amputations or heart disease.
The amount of insulin the body needs varies daily, with finger prick tests done up to ten times a day.
In the artificial pancreas, the blood monitor and insulin pump are in contact constantly, adjusting hormone levels through the day.