The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the world’s first hybrid insulin delivery system, a decision that the American Diabetes Association (ADA) supports.
Called the MiniMed 670G, this system is an important part of creating an artificial pancreas. It is the first pump-sensor system that can automatically cause basal insulin levels to increase or decrease, depending on the person’s glucose readings shown on an integrated continuous glucose monitor.
This system signals a significant milestone for patients who have type 1 diabetes. While using it, patients will still make insulin dosing decisions for their meals, as the MiniMed 670G offers dose recommendations according to the patient’s blood glucose levels and trends. In addition, patients will also continue using finger-stick glucose checks in order to calibrate the new device.
MiniMed is useful for people who are currently using insulin pumps or those who are candidates for insulin pumps. Anyone who is 14 years old and above is eligible for the new system.
The ADA is excited about this latest advancement for diabetes patients and anticipates future improvements for automated systems to offer bolus doses of insulin. The ADA’s goal is to use incremental innovations to develop a fully automated closed-loop system for optimal glucose control -- as well as independence.
