The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen region that is a strong, silent performer. An important part of the digestive system, the pancreas is the gatekeeper of blood sugar levels. Artificial pancreas was invented as recently as 2016 and this could be the key to beating diabetes.
Pancreas is the organ in our body that secretes several hormones such as insulin and glucagon. Insulin is used by the body to take up glucose (sugar) from the blood and use it as energy. Thus, blood glucose levels are reduced. When the pancreas produces little or none insulin required to regulate the blood glucose type 1 diabetes mellitus occurs. The artificial pancreas is a new revolutionary system of devices that mimics the glucose regulating function of a healthy pancreas. A company called “Medtronic” in September 2016 built the first FDA approved artificial pancreas. This system consists of three devices namely:
- Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM)
- Insulin infusion meter (Insulin pump)
- Glucose meter (BGD)
The CGM is always connected to the insulin infusion meter via a computer-controlled algorithm. The implantation of the artificial pancreas system not only monitors the glucose levels in the body but also automatically regulate the delivery of insulin. Thus, it reduces the high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) or minimizes the incidence of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) without the requirement of any input from the patient. It is estimated that this system will costs around Rs. 5 to 6 lakhs and entails a recurring monthly expense of Rs. 10,000 - 20,000.