Novel Single-Site Device for Conjoined Glucose Sensing and Insulin Infusion: Performance Evaluation in Diabetes...

This study evaluated a novel diabetes treatment device that combines commercially available continuous glucose monitoring and insulin infusion technology in such a way as to perform insulin delivery and glucose sensing through a single skin insertion site (single-port device).

Ten type 1 diabetes patients used the device for up to six days in their home/work environment for open-loop insulin delivery and glucose sensing. On an additional day, the device was used in combination with an algorithm to perform automated closed-loop glucose control under hospital settings. To assess the performance of the device, capillary blood glucose concentrations were frequently determined and a continuous glucose sensor was additionally worn by the patients.

The average mean absolute relative deviation from blood glucose concentrations obtained for the sensor of the device was low (median, 13.0%; interquartile range, 10.5-16.7%; n = 10) and did not differ from that of the additionally worn glucose sensor (versus 13.9%; 11.9-15.3%; P = 0.922). Furthermore, insulin delivery with the single-port device was reliable and safe during home use and, when performed in combination with the control algorithm, was adequate to achieve and maintain near normoglycemia.

Our data show the feasibility of open- and closed-loop glucose control in diabetes patients using a device that combines insulin delivery and glucose sensing at a single tissue site.

The reduction in device size and invasiveness achieved by this design may largely increase patient convenience and enhance acceptance of diabetes treatment with continuous glucose monitoring and insulin delivery technology.