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Artificial pancreas trial gives new hope to adults living with type 1 diabetes
An artificial pancreas operated by an Android phone is being trialled in Melbourne on adults with type 1 diabetes.
It is hoped the phone-operated insulin pump will eliminate the need for insulin injections and constant patient management of their condition.
The Android APS system enables a smartphone to communicate with a glucose monitor and insulin pump worn by the patient.
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The phone software will automatically detect and administer insulin when needed to keep blood sugar at a safe level, without human intervention.
"This will be completely automated insulin delivery system with no input from the patient," Baker Institute Associate Professor Neale Cohen told 9News.
"Patients with type 1 diabetes generally make around about 100 decisions a day to keep blood glucose levels within a tight range.
"It's quite a burden."
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Investment manager and mum-of-two Siba Diqer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just two years ago.
Before trialling the device, she needed to inject multiple times a day.
"It will be like I have a functioning pancreas," Diqer said.
"I also inject for every snack.
"That's breakfast, lunch and dinner and that's a minimum four times a day."
Diqer has only been on part of the trial for a week and can already see a "huge improvement".
"There's less stress and there's less fear," she said.
If the trial of this new technology proves successful, it could life-changing for people with type 1 diabetes.
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