Diabetes is a group of diseases which is characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or to use insulin. The American Diabetes Association writes that Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. The body does not produce insulin in type 1 diabetes.
Insulin is a hormone which is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy which is needed for daily life. Only 5% of people suffering from diabetes have this form of the disease. With the help of insulin therapy along with other treatments, even young children with Type 1 diabetes can be taught to manage their condition and live long, healthy, happy lives. The most common form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes. Either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin in Type 2 diabetes.
Miriam E Tucker has reported for Internal Medicine News Digital Network "Smallest Insulin Pump Yet Features Touch-Screen." The Food and Drug Administration has granted clearance to Tandem Diabetes Care Inc. to market its t:slim Insulin Delivery System. This is the newest insulin pump system on the U.S. market and is the smallest. And this new insulin pump features a color touch screen.
Tandem Diabetes Care reports if you talk to anyone using insulin pump therapy, most will tell you that switching to a pump has changed their life for the better. Insulin pump users not only do they have improved blood glucose levels, but also more freedom and flexibility in their lifestyle.
This is the first insulin pump to be cleared under the FDA’s Infusion Pump Improvement Initiative, which has established requirements for infusion pump manufacturers and which is aimed to facilitate device improvements and increase user awareness. The firm says the t:slim was designed to make diabetes management easier to teach and to learn.
More user-oriented features of this new small insulin pump include an eco-friendly rechargeable battery and USB connectivity to Web-based therapy management software. According to industry estimates among the 1.5 million people in the United States with type 1 diabetes, about 20%-30% use an insulin pump.
Clinical evidence has supported the use of a pump to improve glycemic control and quality of life. Tandem is planing to launch its marketing of this device during the first half of 2012. The enhanced ease of use and attractive design of this insulin pump which will encourage more patients to consider the clinical benefits of insulin pump therapy is an exciting demonstration of how high technology is now helping to improve health care.
