Artificial Pancreas Project
Clinical research shows that most people with diabetes are not controlling blood glucose levels nearly well enough. A 2005 study showed that even vigilant patients who check blood glucose frequently spent less than 30 percent of the day in the normal glucose range. The risk of complications--and the economic burden placed on our health care system--could be significantly lowered with devices that improve glucose control. In addition, good glucose control will probably enhance the effectiveness of promising new cure therapies, such as beta cell regeneration and islet transplantation.
The ultimate goal of JDRF's Artificial Pancreas Project is an artificial pancreas that will enable a person with diabetes to maintain normal glucose levels by providing the right amount of insulin at the right time, just as the pancreas does in individuals without diabetes. The first-generation artificial pancreas is expected to improve glucose control by combining a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and insulin pump with sophisticated computer algorithms now under development at JDRF-funded research facilities. Even before such a system is finalized, CGM alone may help people with diabetes better manage glucose levels.
JDRF's goal is to speed the development, regulatory approval, clinician adoption, and health insurance coverage of effective artificial pancreas technologies. To do so, JDRF is:
- Funding researchers around the world who are testing versions of an artificial pancreas and assessing the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitors;
- Educating health plan executives, government officials, and clinicians about the promise of these new technologies.
As more clinical research data becomes available, JDRF Advocates will play a growing role in the efforts to accelerate the widespread availability of these important technologies.
Learn more by visiting the Artificial Pancreas Project's website.
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