The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is developing a new technology that will combine two technologies already on the market with a mathematical algorithm.
By integrating the continuous glucose sensor (CGS) and the insulin pump, JDRF is creating a machine that can give insulin or glucose at the time it is needed and predict when low and high blood sugars will occur.
The insulin pump and CGS will work together to keep blood sugar levels tightly controlled, taking away the terrible complications of juvenile diabetes.
Scientists are currently conducting clinical trials on the artificial pancreas and they realize that it is not a cure, but another tool that will make a big difference in the lives of type one diabetics. The artificial pancreas will be a closed-looped system, just like a real, working pancreas.
JDRF is calling it’s project “a goal within reach,” however it is the cost that is keeping it off the market. Fundraising efforts around the country are raising the money that it will take to complete the project. One area that affects many people is the cost. Regional chapters of JDRF are raising money not only for the artificial pancreas, but for the device to be paid for by health insurance.
This project could bring big changes to the world of juvenile diabetes. If you would like information, visit http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=104576.