Diabetic Patients may be Helped by Metal Pancreas

Professor Joan Taylor from De Montfort University, Leicester, has developed artificial pancreas that could revolutionize diabetes treatment.

The new artificial pancreas has a metal casing and consists of insulin that is kept separated by a gel barrier. When the glucose levels in the body increase, the gel liquefies and insulin is released. When the glucose levels return to normal, the gel hardens again, thus creating a barrier between the insulin and the body.

The device is currently undergoing pre-clinical trials. It will be implanted between the lowest rib and the hip. The insulin levels in the device would be refilled every two weeks.

If trials are successful, then the device would hit the markets within 10 years.




Source: Medindia