Integrated insulin pumps that react to a diabetic’s real-time glucose levels, also known as artificial pancreases, may significantly improve, and even save, the lives of millions of people. Now Medtronic has announced that it’s the first to bring to the U.S. market an artificial pancreas system that pauses insulin delivery once measured glucose falls below a preset level. This is particularly useful at night and for patients who aren’t terribly consistent at keeping an eye on their glucose.
The Threshold Suspend feature within Medtronic’s MiniMed 530G with Enlite initially warns the wearer that glucose levels are on trend to be dangerously low. The patient can decide to cancel the pause of insulin delivery, but if the alarm is completely ignored, insulin will stop flowing and prevent hypoglycemia.
From the announcement:
The Enlite sensor delivers better comfort and reliable CGM accuracy. In addition to the 31 percent improvement in overall accuracy, the Enlite sensor detects up to 93 percent of hypoglycemia episodes when predictive and threshold alerts are on.[ii] The Enlite sensor is also 69 percent smaller[iii] than the previous Medtronic sensor, to deliver improved comfort in using continuous glucose monitoring. The new Enlite serter provides a simpler sensor insertion process with a hidden-introducer needle.
The MiniMed 530G system was approved for use by people with diabetes ages 16 and older. Medtronic will conduct a post-approval study including children ages two and older. The Enlite sensor can be worn for six days.
Press release: Medtronic Gains Approval of First Artificial Pancreas Device System with Threshold Suspend Automation…