FDA approved the Continuous Glucose Monitor and insulin pump

[caligirl]

Medtronic Minimed is already taking orders for the CGMS device that works with the insulin pump but there are some specifics that you need to read at their web site. It is paired with specific pumps and if you are still on a 508 you will need to get a new model in conjuction with purchasing the CGMS device. The device costs $999 and is scheduled to start delivery this summer. They are taking pre orders and letting certain pump models upgrade. Insurance doesn't cover the CGMS yet. My son wore this device, actually they had him wear two on his abdomen during a clinical trail about two years ago. It worked really well. They gave us a print out and graphs of his blood sugars from the device and it was very informative. I plan to order one of these for son sometime in August when we have to replace his pump which will then be almost out of warranty. This is going to make sending him off to college a little easier this September. We will want to use it to spot check especially at night. Another thing, the model he wore during the trial was larger and he had two on his abdomen with insertions for each plus his pump insertion and had to sleep with them in. The version they are selling looks just like those he wore but thinner. I say this because he is very thin and the doctor was concerned he was too thin to wear this device successfully. He had no problems wearing it 24/7 but the other thin kid in the study did have some trouble. I point this out because as we parents of diabetic kids know, many are very thin. The adhesive worked well.


http://www.healthday.com/view.cfm?id=532141

Insulin Pump Also Monitors Blood Sugar
Alerts user when glucose drops too low

THURSDAY, April 13 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Medtronic's MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump and glucose monitoring system, the first device to both deliver insulin and monitor a user's blood sugar in real time, the company said Thursday.

The device takes blood sugar (glucose) readings every five minutes, displaying up to 288 readings per day, Medtronic said in a statement. It allows users, once sugar levels are confirmed by a standard fingerstick blood test, to take immediate action to improve glucose control.

The glucose sensor is a small electrode that's inserted under the skin. Typically replaced after three days of use, it measures glucose in the fluid contained between the body's cells, Medtronic said.

The insulin pump is an implanted, pager-sized device capable of delivering insulin around the clock, much like the human pancreas.

The American Diabetes Association says the disease, affecting nearly 21 million Americans, occurs when the body does not produce or properly use the hormone insulin. Insulin convert sugars, starches and other foods into energy for cells.

More information

Visit the American Diabetes Association to learn more

[Kagemusha]

1. Wonder if someday they'll have a model for NBA players.

There's apparently a college athlete just turning pro who has diabetes and monitors and adjusts his blood sugar on the bench during games.

[caligirl]

2. Yeah, he is a Gonzaga University student.