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Review
. 2016 Sep;59(9):1795-805.
doi: 10.1007/s00125-016-4022-4. Epub 2016 Jun 30.

Coming of age: the artificial pancreas for type 1 diabetes

Hood Thabit  1   2 , Roman Hovorka  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Coming of age: the artificial pancreas for type 1 diabetes

Hood Thabit et al. Diabetologia. 2016 Sep.

Abstract

The artificial pancreas (closed-loop system) addresses the unmet clinical need for improved glucose control whilst reducing the burden of diabetes self-care in type 1 diabetes. Glucose-responsive insulin delivery above and below a preset insulin amount informed by sensor glucose readings differentiates closed-loop systems from conventional, threshold-suspend and predictive-suspend insulin pump therapy. Insulin requirements in type 1 diabetes can vary between one-third-threefold on a daily basis. Closed-loop systems accommodate these variations and mitigate the risk of hypoglycaemia associated with tight glucose control. In this review we focus on the progress being made in the development and evaluation of closed-loop systems in outpatient settings. Randomised transitional studies have shown feasibility and efficacy of closed-loop systems under supervision or remote monitoring. Closed-loop application during free-living, unsupervised conditions by children, adolescents and adults compared with sensor-augmented pumps have shown improved glucose outcomes, reduced hypoglycaemia and positive user acceptance. Innovative approaches to enhance closed-loop performance are discussed and we also present the outlook and strategies used to ease clinical adoption of closed-loop systems.

Keywords: Artificial pancreas; Closed-loop system; Continuous glucose monitor; Control algorithm; Insulin pump; Review; Type 1 diabetes.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A prototype closed-loop system. (a) A prototype closed-loop system comprises a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensor and receiver, an insulin pump, and a mobile phone running a control algorithm (potentially the algorithm may be located on the insulin pump obviating the need for a hand-held controller/mobile phone device). (b) A photo of a participant (obtained with consent) using the closed-loop system during a home study [8]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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