Biomedical engineering students develop a closed-loop algorithm for implantable insulin pumps, offering new possibilities for diabetes care.
While insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors have improved the lives of many Type 1 diabetes patients, some still cannot maintain steady control.Implantable insulin pumps offer another option because they deliver insulin directly to the liver.
However, many of these systems still require manual adjustments.For patients already navigating a demanding condition, the added mental load and risk of miscalculation can make care even harder. The push for greater automation continues to grow as patients and clinicians seek safer, simpler ways to manage the disease.Student Innovation Targets the GapA team of five biomedical engineering students from Texas A&M University took on that challenge.Sponsored by Medtronic MiniMed, the group created a closed-loop algorithm for an implantable pump system designed for patients who cannot depend on standard external pump therapy.The team focused on creating a system that could run with minimal patient involvement.The goal is for the pump and glucose monitor to communicate continuously.“The pump calculates if your blood sugar is too high and if we need to lower it, then gives an insulin dose,” said team member Jacob Kimbrough.“If you’re low, the algorithm is going to back off on the basal rate to try and bring your blood sugar back up. With the closed-loop system, the pump and glucose monitor continuously communicate, so there’s no need for the patient to input numbers.”Kimbrough lives with Type 1 diabetes and brought a firsthand understanding of daily management into the project. “This is what I deal with on a daily basis,” he said.“I already know how this works, and I can see how to improve it.”The work reflects a growing shift toward automated diabetes systems that act more like an artificial pancreas.The students tested decision pathways and explored how automation could operate inside an implanted device rather than an external wearable system.Medtronic MiniMed sees the project as meaningful early progress.Gary Dulak, senior director of new ventures at the company, said the student team approached the challenge with commitment and fresh thinking.“The team brought remarkable energy, passion and unique ideas, which were inspiring to us,” he said.“Their commitment to Medtronic’s mission of meeting the patient where they are in their journey was evident in their dedication to the project.”While the algorithm is still in its prototype stage, Medtronic plans to expand and refine the work.The company believes the foundation created by the team could help accelerate future development.Real-world learningThe collaboration also served as a real-world engineering experience for the students. Dulak said the partnership created value for both sides and will continue shaping the next phase of development.As automated care advances, the hope is that future devices will reduce daily decision-making.For many patients, greater automation could mean less stress, fewer calculations, and a path toward living more freely with Type 1 diabetes.
Closed-Loop System Diabetes Technology Insulin Pump Medical Devices Medtronic Minimed Texas A&Amp M University Type 1 Diabetes
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