Artificial Pancreas Technology Battles Hypoglycemia

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 03 Feb 2015

Innovative predictive low glucose management technology helps diabetics achieve better glucose control through advanced protection from hypoglycemia.

The MiniMed 640G System incorporates exclusive SmartGuard technology, which both automatically suspends insulin delivery when the enhanced Enlite glucose sensor predicts levels are approaching the lower limit, and resumes insulin delivery once glucose levels recover. Multiple low-limit settings can be tailored to meet individual needs throughout the day. Other features include a simple menu, a full-color management screen with automatic light-adjustment, customizable alerts and alarms, and waterproofing in up to 3.65 meters of water for 24 hours at a time.

Image: The MiniMed 640G insulin pump with built-in continuous glucose monitoring (Photo courtesy of Medtronic).

In addition, the system exclusively uses the Bayer (Leverkusen, Germany) Contour Next Link 2.4 blood glucose meter to provide highly accurate blood glucose testing and automatically transmit blood glucose results into the Bolus Wizard calculator. This also helps ensure that patients do not have a manual entry error, as well as calibrate the Enlite sensor. It also allows patients to discreetly give a bolus of insulin remotely from the meter. The MiniMed 640G System and SmartGuard technology are products of Medtronic (Minneapolis, MN, USA).

“We developed this system based on substantial amounts of research and feedback from the global diabetes community, who are looking for simpler, more convenient diabetes technology that helps them achieve better glucose control and enjoy greater freedom,” said Alejandro Galindo, vice president and general manager of the intensive insulin management business at Medtronic. “With the MiniMed 640G, we're thrilled to deliver a new system that meets these needs and marks the third significant milestone to creating and commercializing the world's first artificial pancreas.”

“By suspending insulin delivery before the sensor glucose reaches a low limit, the MiniMed 640G System can help prevent severe hypoglycemia,” said Prof. Tim Jones, MD, head of the diabetes department at Princess Margaret Hospital (Perth, Australia). “In addition, with this new feature, hyperglycemic rebound may be avoided by resuming insulin delivery once those glucose levels recover, making this a very valuable tool for achieving better glucose control.”

Related Links:
Medtronic
Bayer