Medtronic enrolls first patients to test predictive low glucose management technology

Medtronic Inc. recently announced that the first patients have been enrolled to test its predictive low glucose management technology, according to a company press release.

The trial is going to test the safety and efficacy of Medtronic’s new insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring system, which will automatically stop insulin delivery when the glucose sensor reaches the lowest tolerable limit. Once glucose levels recover, the pump resumes insulin delivery. The system will help patients manage hypoglycemia as well as rebound hyperglycemia.

“Safely managing hypoglycemia without causing a rebound hyperglycemic episode is a key challenge in managing diabetes,” Ronald Brazg, MD, FACE, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the division of metabolism and endocrinology at the University of Washington and director of Rainier Clinical Research Center, said in a press release. “This important study leads the industry-wide efforts to close the diabetes treatment loop with tools that help achieve better glycemic control.”

Across the United States, 84 participants will be enrolled from up to eight investigational centers. This system is 80% smaller than the Elite sensor currently available in the United States market.

“This study marks yet another important milestone toward the goal of an artificial pancreas,” Alejandro Galindo, vice president and general manager of the intensive insulin management business at Medtronic, said in the release. “As we continue to lead the world with advances in insulin delivery, sensor technology and algorithms, we will be more able to help people with diabetes enjoy greater freedom and experience better health.”