FDA Approves 1st ‘Artificial Pancreas’ for Type 1 Diabetes

 

Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by immune-mediated destruction of insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. The destruction of beta cells results in insulin insufficiency, and patients develop life-threatening hyperglycemia (high blood sugars) that can cause weight loss, polyuria (frequent need to urinate), and polydipsia (increased thirst). Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood. The incidence of T1D is increasing, especially in children less than 5 years of age. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first automated insulin delivery system — a so-called “artificial pancreas” — for people with type 1 diabetes. Read more at US News.