Top Story, Devices & Diagnostics

A smartphone could operate as an “artificial pancreas” for type 1 diabetics

A research team at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is looking to automate the monitoring of blood glucose levels and insulin for type 1 diabetes patients.

A research team at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, led by Boris P. Kovatchev, is looking to automate the monitoring of blood glucose levels and insulin for type 1 diabetes patients, essentially creating an artificial pancreas – using a smartphone.

This progress is influenced by the $3.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

A digital glucose monitor in combination with a digital insulin pump will provide real-time communication by using algorithms in conjunction with cloud-based computing. The project’s servers will facilitate high quality data collection in conjunction with on-demand telemedicine services.

The developers intend for it to monitor blood-sugar levels instantly and report data to a remote-monitoring site and link the user with assistance using telemedicine as needed.

This would prevent patients from needing to prick their fingers to check glucose levels.