New System for Managing Diabetes

A new insulin-management system designed to simplify intensive insulin therapy has only two easy-to-use components. The system has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The new system combines the healthcare benefits of continuous subcutaneous insulin delivery with blood-glucose monitoring technology, eliminates the need for daily insulin injections, requires no patient-tethering to a pump via tubing, and makes intensive insulin therapy easier. The system, developed by Insulet Corp. (Bedford, MA, USA), will be available by prescription sometime in 2005.

Similar to current insulin pumps, the system features fully programmable continuous subcutaneous insulin delivery with multiple basal rates and bolus options, suggested bolus calculations, safety checks, and alarm features. Unlike current pumps, its design integrates two components: the OmniPod and the personal diabetes manager (PDM). The OmniPad is a small, lightweight device that combines an integrated infusion set, automatic inserter, and insulin reservoir. The pod is worn on the skin beneath clothing and delivers insulin according to pre-programmed instructions from the wireless handheld PDM. Once the OmniPod is programmed, the PDM is used to check blood glucose levels. Each pad can be worn for up to three days and then is replaced with a new pod.

"Our goal has always been to improve quality of life for people with diabetes by simplifying management and addressing the concerns of individuals who live with diabetes every day,” said Duane DeSisto, president and CEO of Insulet Corp.




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