New Insulin Pump Could Prevent Hypoglycemia in Diabetes Patients - East Idaho News

New Insulin Pump Could Prevent Hypoglycemia in Diabetes Patients

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GETTY H 110311 DiabetesJPG?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1372019846308Jeffrey Hamilton/Lifesize/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — A new device attached to an insulin pump may help prevent dangerous low blood sugar levels in diabetes patients during the night.

According to HealthDay News, the pump would deliver insulin when necessary, but stop pumping when the patient’s blood sugar levels are low. In studies, the pump reportedly decreased overnight episodes of hypoglycemia by nearly one-third.

Hypoglycemia, which can cause dizziness, seizures, coma and death, is a serious concern for diabetes patients.

The device, funded by Medtronic Inc., and tested in Europe is pending approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The results of a study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, studied 247 patients with type-1 diabetes who were randomly assigned to use either the new device or a standard insulin pump.

Use of the new device was linked to a decrease in hypoglycemic attacks during both the day and night of approximately 32 percent. The device did not impact patients’ blood sugar levels.

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