Automated Insulin Delivery in Children via Android App

Young children diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes use insulin pumps which require a lot of effort to operate. The parents are responsible for manually dosing the insulin and adjusting the elevated blood glucose. This often requires correction, especially at night. Automated insulin delivery systems are available for older children and adolescents, but not for young children. This age group has the highest day-to-day variability in terms of insulin requirements and cannot respond independently to blood glucose. Prolonged periods of elevated blood glucose levels can have a negative impact on brain development and intelligence quotient.

An automated insulin delivery system developed at the University of Cambridge uses a so-called hybrid closed-loop system, in which the parents still have to deliver insulin at mealtimes, but at all other times, the algorithm automatically controls the amount of insulin depending on the child's glucose levels. According to the study data, the system was safe and more effective than the standard therapy used in this age group. Parents reported finally being able to sleep through the night again without having to react to elevated or low blood sugar levels. During the night, blood glucose levels remained in the target area for more than 80 percent of the time.