Blog 3- Artificial pancreas has potential for pregnant women women with type 1 diabetes

Sha'Nese Jones
2/3/2011
11:20pm

Artificial pancreas has potential for pregnant women women with type 1 diabetes

European doctors have tested an artificial pancreas that is targeted at helping control the blood sugar of pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes. The objective is to lower the risk of an abnormal birth or fatal episode of hypoglycemia. The artificial pancreas is about the size of a cellphone and it has a constant glucose monitor also an insulin pump that maintains a reliable level of blood sugar. In the UK it’s said that diabetes effects 32 in every 1,000 pregnancies. Babies born to mothers with type 1 diabetes are overweight or obese at birth because of an excessive amount of sugar in the blood. Dr. Helen Murphy of Cambridge University and head of the international research team who conducted the research says that as the high blood glucose levels increase the risk of congenital malformation, stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm delivery, macrosomia also neonatal admission. With the findings of the artificial pancreas the potential to help maintain regular glucose levels can help bring about better results for pregnant women. The device can also be attached to clothing; it has also been tested effectively in children who have type 1 diabetes.

The idea of the artificial pancreas is something that is incredible and very much life changing. With such advancement in technology the potential to develop something that could help people whom have type two diabetes. The help that the pancreas can give to children is something that can benefit their life and give them that better sense of security when it comes to their blood glucose levels. The ability for it to potentially help pregnant women and adults will benefit people all over the world.

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-artificial-pancreas-20110202,0,6692857.story