Hybrid Diabetes System Acts as Artificial Pancreas

An innovative insulin pump and infusion patch automatically deliver basal insulin in order to control blood glucose levels in people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The Medtronic (Dublin, Ireland) MiniMed 670G system is designed to deliver a variable rate bolus of insulin based on the personalized needs of the patient in order to maximize time within glucose target levels. The system is powered by the SmartGuard HCL algorithm, which self-adjusts the delivery of basal insulin every five minutes, 24 hours a day, based on real-time data gathered from the Guardian Sensor, an advanced glucose sensor that continuously monitors itself. Patients only need to enter mealtime carbohydrates, accept bolus correction recommendations, and periodically calibrate the sensor.

The system also features the Contour Next Link 2.4 blood glucose monitoring system (BGMS) from Ascensia (Parsippany, NJ, USA). Data from the pivotal trial of the MiniMed 670G system demonstrated less glycemic variability, more time in target range, less exposure to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and reduced A1c for T1D patients on the system. Real-world use (as demonstrated during the customer training phase) showed consistent improved outcomes across several important areas, including Time in Range (74%) and greater median time in Auto Mode (92%).

“The MiniMed 670G system has proven to be life-changing for many patients who participated in the customer training phase and we are truly excited to be able to introduce it to many more who stand to benefit,” said Jennifer Lynn Sherr, MD, PhD, of the Yale School of Medicine. “The constant vigilance that this chronic medical condition imposes on both patients and their families is now relaxed and caregivers have a new level of independence and freedom. As someone who lives with type 1 diabetes, it's exciting to see this innovation alleviate much of the burden of managing this chronic disease.”

“The response from the diabetes community has been tremendously positive, and we are proud to be leading this remarkable period in diabetes history in partnership with the clinical and advocacy communities,” said Alejandro Galindo, president of the intensive insulin management division within the Diabetes Group at Medtronic. “We've essentially designed a smarter insulin pump that alleviates some of the burden associated with diabetes management, which can be unrelenting and exhausting.”

T1D is an autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin. It can impact both children and adults at any age, causing dependence on multiple daily injections of insulin or an insulin pump. The complications stemming from high and low blood sugar levels can lead to serious short and long-term results including kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, heart attack, stroke, and pregnancy complications. Lows can be life-threatening, particularly at night when they are most difficult to manage.