Insulin Pumps and Glucose Regulation

Abstract

With recent technologic advances there has been a resurgence of interest in implantable insulin infusion devices. A satisfactory closed loop system has been elusive. Open loop systems include the pump, delivery catheter, and patient pump communicator. Several such systems are currently undergoing clinical investigation. Implantable pumps can be placed with minimal morbidity. Insulin underdelivery is the most frequent long-term problem. Several recent studies suggest that implantable pumps can safely and effectively maintain good glucose control. The development of a satisfactory implantable closed loop system will be the next step in this technology.

Zwitterionic Polymer Design that Inhibits Aggregation and Facilitates Insulin Refolding: Mechanistic Insights and Importance of Hydrophobicity

“…Furthermore, insulin amyloidosis has frequently been found at the site of repeated insulin injections in diabetic patients . Insulin pumps eliminate the need for daily injections and assist in the delivery of precise amounts of insulin . However, the application of insulin pumps as a prospective method for administering insulin is hampered by protein denaturation and aggregation, which results in decreased protein activity over time, thereby causing under‐dosing .…”

“…[2] Insulin pumps eliminate the need for daily injections and assist in the delivery of precise amounts of insulin. [3] However, the application of insulin pumps as a prospective method the relationship between ln([M] 0 /[M]) and time was also monitored by 1 H NMR (Figures S15 and S16, Supporting Information). The linear curve thus observed indicated that the polymerization followed first-order reaction kinetics.…”

Polyethylene-glycol-modified zwitterionic polymer assisted protein aggregation arrest and refolding

“…Insulin pumps were introduced to eliminate the usage of regular injections for insulin dosages, assisting in the delivery of accurate volumes of insulin. 2 However, the instability of the protein and its tendency to aggregate obstruct the application of insulin pumps for insulin administration, eventually leading to insulin underdosing. 3 Protein aggregation is of serious concern to the development of protein-based drugs, and leads to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease.…”

“…Insulin pumps were introduced to eliminate the usage of regular injections for insulin dosages, assisting in the delivery of accurate volumes of insulin. 2 However, the instability of the protein and its tendency to aggregate obstruct the application of insulin pumps for insulin administration, eventually leading to insulin underdosing. 3…”