
No overnight cure for type 1 diabetes – but closed loops offer respite
While a beta cell replacement therapy is the dream of all type 1 patients, new medical devices are hitting the market, and promise more peace of mind. However US patients could find access to these innovations restricted; Richard Staines reports from the American Diabetes Association 2017 conference in San Diego.
Patients living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their families have to live with their disease and be mindful of its dangers 24/7 – not just when they are awake, but also when they are asleep.
The risk of night-time hypoglycaemia remains a constant worry, especially for parents with children who have the condition – and this is one of the driving forces for new technological solutions to the problem – and indeed an outright cure for the condition.
One of key debates about the future direction of T1D treatment hinges on this question: will technological solutions such as an artificial pancreas or a ‘closed loop’ system (insulin pumps combined with continuous glucose monitoring) be the answer, or is a cure via beta cell replacement therapy on the horizon?
The short answer is that closed loop systems are here today, and are already proving their value.
Research from two small studies presented at this year’s American Diabetes Association conference have shown that closed loop systems can help prevent hypoglycaemia in children and adults.
The combination of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems with insulin pumps allows constant management of the disease – described by some as a step towards an “artificial pancreas”.
Medtronic’s MiniMed 670G cl
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