The Food and Drug Administration approved one of the first automated insulin delivery systems, created by Dublin, Ireland-based Medtronic. The device replicates the functions of the pancreas and is meant to help those with type 1 diabetes, according to U.S. News.
The MiniMed 670G operates on a hybrid, closed-loop system, monitoring a user's blood sugar and delivering the necessary amount of insulin to the user via a small catheter inserted just under the surface of the skin. The device will also shut off when blood sugar levels drop too low. The insulin delivery site must be changed every three days.
While the device is meant to replicate the functions of the pancreas, individuals with type 1 diabetes must still watch their carbohydrate intake and enter that information into the system.
Medtronic hopes to release the device to consumers by mid-2017. The FDA approved the device for people aged 14 and older, though the company is conducting clinical trials on younger patients. There are 18 other artificial pancreas systems in various stages of development by other companies, according to the article.
"This is a welcome step forward for people with type 1 diabetes," said Gerald Bernstein,MD, an endocrinologist and coordinator of the Friedman Diabetes Program at LenoxHillHospital in New York City. "It will be many years for a biologic cure or prevention, and it is exciting to know that life can be better until the next best thing comes along."