Progress toward a Glucose Sensor for the Artificial Pancreas

Abstract

The artificial pancreas, actually an artificial beta cell, is a completely implantable device about the size of a cardiac pacemaker that will deliver insulin to the circulatory system, as needed, in response to increases in the glucose level of the blood or other body fluid. The device will contain a glucose sensor, a computer-amplifier system, an insulin pump, a power supply, and an insulin reservoir refillable from the outside by injection at intervals of 3 months or more. The power supply could consist of a nickel-cadmium battery and a recharging circuit activated by electromagnetic induction through the skin. When perfected, the artificial beta cell may prevent the physical deterioration of the diabetic from the stress associated with the imbalance between his actual insulin requirement at any given time and the amount of insulin in usable form in his body at that time. Much of the technology for the artificial pancreas is already available except for a reliable glucose sensor.