The Artificial Beta Cell - A Continuous Control of Blood Sugar by External Regulation of Insulin Infusion (Glucose Controlled Insulin Infusion System)

Abstract

Continuous control of blood sugar in diabetics without dietary restriction has been effected by a Glucose Controlled Insulin Infusion System (GCIIS) consisting of an automatic blood glucose determination apparatus, a dedicated microcomputer, allowing the optimal adaptation of the diabetic to the artificial endocrine pancreas, a special insulin pump and an automatic printer. Insulin-dependent juvenile diabetics and diabetic subjects suffering from diabetic coma and ketoacidosis were successfully controlled and corrected for various periods of time, exhibiting completely normal blood glucose values despite unrestricted food intake. Future developments are seen on the one hand in the further improvement of the present apparatus for complete automatic treatment of acute diabetic conditions, e.g. diabetic coma, pre- and post-operative care of the diabetic subject, including correction of electrolyte and other disturbances. On the other hand, a smaller portable instrument should permit the diabetic subject temporarily after food intake to maintain completely normal blood glucose concentrations, preventing the presently unavoidable excessive blood glucose fluctuations.