Automated Insulin Pump Demonstrates Safety, Efficacy in At-Home Use

In-home use of the hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system demonstrated safety and efficacy during a 3-month pivotal registration trial.

Medtronic MiniMed 670G insulin pump system detects blood glucose levels and delivers a variable rate of insulin 24 hours a day, based on an individual’s personal needs, in order to maximize the time glucose levels are within the target range, according to a company press release.

“It is designed to learn what an individual’s insulin needs are and to take action to minimize both high and low glucose levels,” the release stated. “As a result the system requires minimal input—–users only need to enter mealtime carbohydrates, accept bolus correction recommendations, and periodically calibrate the sensor.”

The results of the study, published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, showed a significant reduction in HbA1c levels for both adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes. Additionally, none of the participants experienced a severe hypoglycemic or diabetic ketoacidosis event.

Overall, the investigators observed a significant decrease in the amount of time participants spent in hypoglycemia, as well as a significant increase in the proportion of sensor glucose readings that were in the target range 71 to 180 mg/dL.

Adult participants used the delivery system with Auto Mode (hybrid closed-loop) enabled by a median 88% of the time (>21 hours per day).

MiniMed 670G hybrid closed-loop system was approved by the FDA in September 2016, and automatically increases, decreases, and suspends insulin delivery in response to continuous glucose monitoring.