FIRST MAJOR DIABETES BREAKTHROUGH IN THE 21st CENTURY

MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGH!!!!

Diabetes exploitation to be relieved by this huge breakthrough from 

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

What is it?

An artificial pancreas would be available in the market within the next 2 years.

Why it's great?

Diabetes revolution: Artificial pancreas could spell the end of finger pricks and injections within two years

• 
  
• iPhone-sized device monitors blood sugar levels and transmits readings
• Control centre works out correct dose of insulin for pump to inject into skin
• 
  

• Will stop Type 1 sufferers from having to continually monitor levels
• 
  
• Also set to help people with severe Type 2 diabetes who need injections

An artificial pancreas which allows diabetes sufferers to lead ‘normal lives’ could be available within two years.

Scientists have developed an iPhone-sized device which monitors patients’ blood sugar levels and automatically injects the right levels of insulin.

The revolutionary product attaches to the wearer’s clothing from where it monitors glucose levels and provides insulin 


when required through patches on the skin.

It could prove a lifeline for around 350,000 Britons who suffer from Type 1 diabetes – a lifelong condition where the pancreas stops producing insulin.

Currently, patients must inject themselves with insulin up to five times a day to avoid serious health problems. 

The iPhone sized device monitors a patient's blood sugar levels (1) with readings transmitted to the control centre (2) before insulin pump gives the correct dose (3) to the wearer

But the amount required fluctuates every day depending on their diet and activity levels, meaning they must monitor their blood sugar with finger prick tests every few hours.

The device could also benefit tens of thousands of people who suffer from severe Type 2 diabetes. 

Around 3.1million patients have been diagnosed with Type 2, which is linked to obesity, of which 14 per cent have a severe form needing insulin injections.

Because of rising obesity levels, it is estimated that a total of five million Britons will have diabetes by 2025 – the majority with Type 2.

University of Cambridge scientists working on the artificial pancreas have found a way to combine two existing devices 
– pumps which deliver insulin and glucose monitors – into one automatic ‘artificial pancreas’ known as a closed-loop system.