Endocrinology and Diabetes

Artificial Pancreas and Closed-Loop Systems

Artificial pancreas and closed-loop systems represent a significant advancement in the management of diabetes, offering a promising solution to improve glycaemic control while reducing the burden of constant blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration. These systems are designed to replicate the body's natural endocrine response, automatically adjusting insulin delivery based on real-time glucose readings. This revolutionary technology has the potential to transform diabetes care, enhancing both quality of life and patient outcomes. An artificial pancreas is an advanced medical device that connects a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) with an insulin pump, creating a system that continuously tracks blood glucose levels and delivers insulin as needed. The system functions as a “closed-loop” because it autonomously regulates insulin delivery without requiring frequent input from the user. The technology relies on algorithms that analyze data from the CGM and make real-time adjustments to insulin delivery, aiming to keep blood glucose levels within a target range. These systems can vary in complexity, with some models offering additional features, such as dual-hormone systems that administer both insulin and glucagon to more effectively manage blood sugar fluctuations. Closed-loop systems may be integrated with smartphone apps or other digital platforms to provide patients with insights and remote management capabilities.Improved Glycemic Control By automatically adjusting insulin delivery, closed-loop systems help maintain blood glucose levels closer to the target range, reducing the incidence of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.