[Development of wearable artificial endocrine pancreas--problems awaiting solutions for long-term clinical application]

Abstract

By applying artificial endocrine pancreas, the perfect glycemic normalization could be achieved in diabetic patients. The major obstacle for long-term clinical application of artificial endocrine pancreas, however, is the shortage of the life-time of glucose sensor. Thus, it is crucial to develop continuous glucose sensing system with long-life. To augment the biocompatibility, most intensive investigations should be necessary on membrane design for indwelling glucose biosensor. Microdialysis sampling method could also be applied for extracorporeal measurement of subcutaneous tissue glucose concentrations. As an alternative way of long-term glycemic monitoring, the possibility of non-invasive method of glucose measurement by analyzing the infra-red absorption spectra through attenuated total reflection prism was indicated. In conclusion, as a future implantable artificial endocrine pancreas, the combined system of an implantable computer-insulin delivery device and an indwelling glucose biosensor or an optical glucose sensor with telemetric maneuver will be most feasible.