British Scientists Develop Artificial Pancreas

To reduce the cases of stillbirth, major deformity and death among expectant mothers with type 1 diabetes, British scientists have developed 'closed-loop insulin delivery system' or 'artificial pancreas'. This experimental artificial pancreas has been created by combining a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), with an insulin pump. Patients with type 1 diabetes are unable to properly break down sugar and if it is left untreated, the blood vessels and nerves are destroyed and organs can fail leading to patient's death. Pregnancy for women with diabetes is risky. Previous studies have claimed that the glucose levels in such women are outside the recommended levels for an average of 10 hours per day. High blood glucose levels increases the risk of birth defects, stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm delivery, oversized babies and other complications.

Scientists used this in 10 pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes and found that it provided the appropriate amount of insulin at the right time, helped maintain blood sugar levels at near normal levels and prevented hypoglycemia at night. Helen Murphy, lead of the study at Cambridge University said, "To discover an artificial pancreas can help maintain near-normal glucose level in pregnant women is very promising." Researchers have said that though the study is in its initial stages, the results are quite encouraging.

Source-Medindia