Building an Artificial Pancreas

Posted in Insulinby TimPrint

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As many people who are diabetic are aware, the pancreas is the organ which regulates the flow of insulin in the body. It produces the insulin and then distributes it whenever it is necessary because of sugar that is in the system. When a person is diabetic, the pancreas is not working properly and insulin is not being produced in the amount that is needed. Up until this time, it was necessary for diabetics to either take a shot on a regular basis or to wear an insulin pump of some sort. Other than that, the only other thing that could be done is to regulate one’s diet so that they were not eating sugars that were high on the glycemic index.

Although it had always been considered that someday science would be able to duplicate the organs that are in our body, it was always thought to be a ways off. Recently, an artificial pancreas has been tested in individuals and has shown real promise in delivering insulin to them as needed. It is actually a reservoir which holds the insulin and is inserted into the lining of the abdominal cavity. The sugar is regulated by a sensor that is attached to the jugular vein. Whenever it detects a need, it releases insulin into the body in prescribed proportions.

Although it is only in the testing phase, it has shown real promise in helping individuals with insulin to lead normal lives without the need for repetitive shots.

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