Last Updated on November 15, 2024
On September 28, 2016, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved the first “artificial pancreas” system for people with type 1 diabetes. This is a huge breakthrough for diabetes management because it is the first kind of diabetes technology that can administer insulin on its own, providing people with type 1 diabetes more flexibility to go about their lives without having to constantly monitor baseline glucose levels manually.
The Medtronic MiniMed 670G is the world’s first hybrid closed-loop system. The MiniMed 670G hybrid closed looped system adjusts insulin levels with little or no input from the user. Every five minutes, it measures glucose levels and automatically administers or withholds insulin. The system works by utilizing a sensor that attaches to the body to measure glucose levels under the skin. An insulin pump is strapped to the body, and an infusion patch , which is connected to the pump delivers insulin with a catheter. Although the device automatically adjusts insulin levels, users need to manually supplicate insulin doses to counter carbohydrate (meal) consumption.
The Medtronic MiniMed 670G has many advanced features. Advanced SmartGuard Technology– SmartGuard HCL – uses a smart algorithm that allows greater glucose control with less user input to simplify and improve diabetes management. With SmartGuard HCL, the system builds on leading algorithms to provide therapy customization so that people with diabetes and their providers can select from differing levels of automation that best fits their diabetes management needs.
Based on the personalized needs of the individual, the system distributes a variable rate of insulin 24 hours a day, maximizing the time glucose levels are within the target range. It is created to learn what an individual’s insulin needs are and to facilitate the minimization of both high and low glucose levels. Because of this, the Medtronic MiniMed system requires least possible input. As previously stated, users only need to record mealtime carbohydrates, accept bolus correction recommendations, and calibrate the sensor periodically.
The MiniMed 670G system also features the newest and most advanced CGM, the Guardian Sensor 3 and the Guardian Link 3 transmitter. The Guardian Sensor 3 has enhanced performance and accuracy and also has a 7-day life. It integrates diagnostic technology that continuously checks how the sensor is doing, resulting in a CGM system accredited to power the hybrid closed loop system. It is the only sensor certified to drive the amount of insulin delivered by a pump. Medtronic plans to start selling the MiniMed 670G system in spring of 2017.
