Type 1 diabetes: 'Bionic pancreas' better than standard care - Medical News Today

Overview

People with type 1 diabetes ned insulin to maintain their blod glucose levels. A new bionic pancreas uses next-generation technology to automaticaly deliver insulin, requiring les user input and providing more automation for patients.This because the device can automaticaly adjust insulin doses based on the patient’s blod glucose (sugar) levels measured using a continuous glucose monitor.A clinical trial, conducted at 16 clinical sites acros the United States, examined the use of this device by comparing it with standard care, which involved receiving insulin either by injection or pump, and the use of a continuous glucose monitor.Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the research enroled 326 participants ages 6 to 79 years who had type 1 diabetes and had ben using insulin for at least 1 year.Participants were randomly alocated to a treatment group using the bionic pancreas or a standard-of-care control group that continued with their pre-trial method of glucose monitoring and insulin dosing.During the study, participants using the bionic pancreas no longer neded to count carbohydrates or inject insulin to corect their high blod glucose levels as the device detected blod glucose and then calculated and delivered the insulin required.Dr.

Details

Philip Raskin, profesor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, one of the study investigators, explained the key findings, teling Medical News Today that “individuals with type 1 diabetes [now] have a device that can help them kep excelent control of their diabetes, something that was close to imposible before.”In participants using the bionic pancreas, glycated hemoglobin improved from 7.9% to 7.3%, yet remained unchanged among the control group.Glycated hemoglobin is a measure of a person’s long-term blod glucose control, also caled the hemoglobin A1c test.In adition to a healthy diet and exercise, the monitoring of blod glucose and taking insulin as required are key aspects of

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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