Boris Kovatchev: Artificial Pancreas Could Help Diabetics

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I would like to receive any information and updates on this research. Is there a location in California where the trials are being performed?

Lynn Zalk of CA 1:18PM December 30, 2012

I would like more information on clinical trails

Dena Buckles of MI 9:32PM August 09, 2012

Unbelievable,absolutely wonderful. Please send me any info you can.

James C. Stevenson of TX 1:58AM December 10, 2011

I have been Type 1 diabetic for 44 out 51 years of my life. I feel that the current pumps are DUMB. They would do no more for me than what I can do for myself through injections. I SO look forward to a device that would work as an artificial pancreas. Continue your great work so that those of us who deal with diabetes daily can lead a life that is less stressful. Thank you so much!!!!

Cynthia Hill of IA 12:02PM November 25, 2011

I am 79 years old. Have been a Type I for 33 years. Tried a pump in 1999. Quit and went back to my tryed and true system: blood sugar checks eight times a day and 5-6 insulin injections/day. Reason is I am very active. Play tennis 3-5 times/week, ski in winter, fly fish, exercise programs, bicycle, etc. My needs are so varied it is almost impossible to rely on anything "automatic." I keep a daily journal consisting of time of day, blood sugar reading, carbohydrates ingested, diivsor used and units of humalog/lantus taken. I keep my supplies in the bathroom at night so that whenever I go there I take a blood sugar test and record it in my journal. I notice that virtually all of my low blood sugars occur between 4 and 6 AM and they vary day-to-day depending upon the amount (intensity) of exercise I get during the day. In spite of this intense approach I still get low blood sugar readings most of which I cover with supplies I carry with me but am still subject to ambulance rides to a hospital.
In my opinion there is no substitute for intense self management until stem cells can be developed to replace or reconstruct beta cells that attack or destroy insulin producing islet cells in the pancreas.

Robert Dehlendorf of MT 8:15PM November 01, 2010

I am a diabetes clinician since 1978 when the Artificial Pancreas was invented.It has not been in practice all these years for scientific reasons that has not been overcome yet.
Do you think you are giving false hopes when you do not explain the reasons why this did not happen and may not happen soon.It is not the sophisticated Algorithm.it is the invasive unsafe technology for a long duration that still impede the application except in experimental situation.
For me and my patients the best algorithm with the best HgA1C and zero(I repeat zero)hypoglycemia is the Rx Checker from "Better Control Medical Computer "in Florida .Check it out @nidm.org,then write about artificial intelligence/ pancreas in real life diabetes therapy .it is amazing.

Saad Sakkal.MD.FACP.FACE. of OH 4:25PM July 17, 2010

i m a Diabetic and have been since 1972 ,my question to you is this, the Dr, i have treating me for the Diabetes says i have type 2 Diabetes im a insulin pump user ,could i possible be ready to use this implant some day ? Would i some day soon be able to get this artificial pancreas?

Tom Quetchenbach of NY 4:32PM July 15, 2010

My daughter has had type 1 diabetes for 11 years now. She was diagnosed when she was 2 years old. She has worn an insulin pump for 8 years and we have always checked her blood sugars in the middle of the night to ensure that she does not go low. Hormones really influence her blood sugars at this age and we are praying for the day that an artificial pancreas will be available to her.

Jane Sultenfuss of FL 2:11PM July 15, 2010

My daughter has had type 1 diabetes for 11 years now. She was diagnosed when she was 2 years old. She has worn an insulin pump for 8 years and we have always checked her blood sugars in the middle of the night to ensure that she does not go low. Hormones really influence her blood sugars at this age and we are praying for the day that an artificial pancreas will be available to her.

Jane Sultenfuss of FL 2:10PM July 15, 2010

I am at awe at this news a mom would be a great canadate for this
where are your trails,
who can I contact for more information on this subject matter
and how can I get involved with.

Patricia Emuze of TX 1:59AM June 05, 2010