Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Artificial Pancreas

I've read a couple of intriguing articles about a robotic/artificial pancreas, and it seems hopeful for the near future. There's a great article in Wired Magazine this month here, and and another article from the LA Times here about Boston researchers who are using a combination of insulin & glucagon in their trial pancreas. They seem to think that something can be on the market in as little as 7 years.

We have the technology. All the pieces just have to be put together. It's very exciting. I hope that when it all comes together, that health insurance companies will make such devices available and affordable.

Also, although the technology is wonderful, an artificial pancreas is still not a CURE! So let's keep working on that, eh?

2 comments:

FeltFinland said...

Interesting articles - we shall see! A is getting his pump in 2 weeks, we are a bit nervous bit also hopeful.

Naomi said...

Yay! I'm so glad he is getting his pump! It's going to mean some sleepless nights for you, I guess, as you adjust around the clock to begin. But we have found it so helpful for blood sugar control. I'm happy for you. Can't wait to hear how it goes!