Artificial Pancreas Controller for Postprandial Hyperglycemia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fully-automated artificial pancreas systems face challenges in achieving rapid insulin absorption and action, leading to delayed glucose control and increased risks of postprandial hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia due to the slow absorption and prolonged action of subcutaneously injected insulins, which complicates glycemic management in diabetes treatment.
Innovation Solution
The development of a method and system for a fully-automated artificial pancreas control that adjusts insulin delivery based on the absorption level and duration of insulin action, using a model predictive control law to infuse insulin more aggressively in response to glucose increases, thereby aligning insulin and meal rates for improved glucose regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If subcutaneously injected insulin is used in fully-automated artificial pancreas systems, then the system can deliver insulin automatically without manual intervention, but the slow absorption and prolonged action of subcutaneous insulin cause delayed glucose control and increased risks of postprandial hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the pharmacokinetic parameters of insulin by using ultra-rapid acting insulin analogs with enhanced absorption characteristics. The controller adapts to the specific absorption profile of the insulin analog, adjusting control parameters to optimize the balance between automated delivery and rapid action. This parameter change enables faster glucose control while maintaining automated operation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If subcutaneously injected insulin is used with extended duration of action, then continuous glucose control is maintained, but the prolonged action increases the risk of late postprandial hypoglycemia
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop control system continuously monitors glucose levels and adjusts insulin delivery based on real-time feedback. The controller uses glucose sensor data to dynamically modulate insulin infusion rates, preventing both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to changing glucose conditions and mitigate the harmful effects of prolonged insulin action.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts insulin delivery parameters based on the specific pharmacokinetic profile of the ultra-rapid acting insulin analog. The controller adapts to the faster absorption and shorter duration of action characteristics, optimizing the balance between rapid glucose control and preventing late hypoglycemia through real-time parameter modification.
3Extent of automation
If a fully-automated AP controller reacts only after sensor glucose levels begin to rise, then the system maintains simple automated operation, but the delay in insulin absorption and action is exacerbated, representing one of the main barriers to implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is configured to initiate insulin delivery earlier in response to glucose excursions, anticipating the need for glucose control before hyperglycemia fully develops. This preliminary action compensates for the absorption delay of subcutaneous insulin by starting the control process sooner, effectively reducing the overall response time while maintaining automated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method, system and computer-readable storage medium for fully-automated artificial pancreas (AP) control aimed at minimizing and/or preventing occurrence of hyperglycemia following an unannounced meal. Such control is modulated relative to a utilized insulin, the absorption level of which is basis for the control's aggressiveness in administering insulin. In this way, the control can, for increasing levels of absorption, be increasingly aggressive and thus avoid instances of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.