MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Artificial pancreas technology for monitoring and moderating symptoms of diabetes could help save the U.S. healthcare system $937 million over 25 years, according to a new study.

The technology, which would combine an automated blood glucose monitor and insulin delivery system, could help prevent diabetic patients from experiencing complications associated with their disease, the researchers wrote.

"The modeling shows that insurers’ coverage of the cost of an artificial pancreas at a relatively early point in the life of a patient with diabetes would greatly reduce future complications of the disease and spending needed to treat such complications," the study’s authors wrote. "The results of this analysis support conducting a more comprehensive trial to assess the long-term impact of the artificial pancreas on glucose levels and the technology’s related costs."

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