7-year-old boy gets AHCL for managing type-1 diabetes

Chennai: A 7-year old boy with type-1 diabetes became the first patient in the country to get the advanced insulin pump fixed which can automatically stabilize the fluctuating blood-sugar levels. The Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop (AHCL) system- The MiniMed™ 780G system was installed for the patient at Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre.

The MiniMed 780G insulin pump is a small electronic device that can be easily carried on a belt or inside the pocket. The device is attached to the body via a thin tube called an infusion set, through which the insulin is delivered making the insulin pump therapy very discreet. The inbuilt CGM (continuous glucose monitor) allows one to monitor sensor glucose levels in real time. The insulin pump replaces the need for multiple injections by delivering rapid acting insulin continuously for four hours a day. It automatically adjusts and corrects insulin levels, thus easily stabilizing one’s glucose levels

Commenting on the successful delivery of the device, Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman & Consultant Diabetologist, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre said, “It’s extremely difficult to manage blood sugar levels in children and teenagers with Type 1 diabetes because of their high activity levels, constantly fluctuating hormones and ongoing growth and development. The 7-year-old boy who was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, was also struggling with blood sugar control with several high sugar and low sugar episodes...The device automatically adjusts and corrects insulin levels 24/7, every 5 minutes, as needed. It also anticipates insulin needs and adjusts insulin delivery, while also correcting highs automatically while helping to protect from lows”

Speaking about the working of the device, he added, “Designed to act like the pancreas, taking the signals from the continuous glucose monitoring device, it adjusts the insulin dosage delivery painlessly. The algorithm in the MiniMed 780G system adjusts basal and correction insulin doses in near-real-time every five minutes, thereby providing near real time course correction, it helps make up for underestimated carbohydrate counting and occasional late or missed meal doses”