MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Researchers touted positive outcomes for the 1st study to compare a traditional insulin pump to a dual-hormone "artificial pancreas" in treating patients with diabetes.
The Canadian team reported that patients using the experimental technology showed improved glucose levels and lower risks of hypoglycemia, potentially advancing research into a commercially viable artificial pancreas.
"We found that the artificial pancreas improved glucose control by 15% and significantly reduced the risk of hypoglycemia as compared with conventional insulin pump therapy," primary study author and doctoral student Ahmad Haidar said in prepared remarks.
The artificial pancreas provides automated delivery of both insulin and glucagon as necessary based on readings from a continuous glucose monitor.
A study published last year reported that progress in artificial pancreas therapy could save Medicare nearly $1 billion over 25 years.
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