Artificial pancreas uses gel instead of computers to adjust insulin

Major medical device companies including Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson have been working on 'smart' insulin pumps outside the body that could act as an artificial pancreas, adjusting insulin levels automatically based on glucose sensor readings and computer algorithms that anticipate the user's behaviour. Joan Taylor, at De Montfort University, Leicester, came up with another strategy that uses a proprietary material inside a device that would be implanted inside the human body, with insulin supplies replenished every two weeks. The implant contains a reservoir of insulin kept in place by a special gel barrier. When glucose levels in the body rise, the gel liquefies and releases the insulin into the body, mimicking the normal pancreas. As the insulin lowers the glucose levels, the gel reacts by hardening again and preserving the reservoir. It would eliminate the need for diabetics to inject insulin up to four times a day. The artificial pancreas will help all Type 1 insulin-dependent diabetics and some suffering Type 2 who need daily injections. Source :  http://www.twi-global.com/news-events/industry-updates/medical-industry/