Glucose Control Startup Using Rate of Change Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current closed-loop glucose control systems face challenges in effectively managing startup scenarios, particularly in transitioning from manual to automatic modes, which can lead to adverse events like severe hypoglycemia due to inadequate insulin delivery strategies.

Innovation Solution

A controller is configured to detect changes in blood glucose concentration and delay the initiation of automatic mode operation until a safe condition is met, using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm to manage insulin delivery without boluses during the transition phase, and adjust based on feedback signals to maintain stable glucose levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the system enters automatic mode immediately upon request, then the responsiveness and user control are improved, but the risk of hypoglycemia increases due to inadequate insulin delivery strategy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponsiveness to user requestVSAvoidrisk of hypoglycemia
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of glucose trends before entering automatic mode. It evaluates whether glucose levels are decreasing at a safe rate and checks if a bolus was recently administered. Only when these preliminary conditions are met does the system transition to automatic mode, preventing immediate entry that could cause hypoglycemia.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the entry criteria based on real-time glucose measurements and rate of change. The transition to automatic mode is not static but adapts to the current physiological state, allowing entry only when glucose trends indicate safety margins are adequate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the system delays entry into automatic mode until glucose concentration is decreasing, then the safety against hypoglycemia is improved, but the response time to user request increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against hypoglycemiaVSAvoiddelay in mode transition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors glucose concentration and rate of change, using this feedback to determine when safe entry conditions are met. The feedback loop evaluates real-time physiological data to dynamically assess safety, allowing the system to transition as soon as conditions permit rather than using fixed delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters (entry criteria) based on glucose trends. When glucose is decreasing at a safe rate, the system permits entry; when glucose is stable or increasing, entry is delayed. This parameter adaptation optimizes both safety and response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If bolus insulin is administered during startup phase, then the glucose control effectiveness is improved, but the risk of severe hypoglycemia increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglucose control effectivenessVSAvoidrisk of severe hypoglycemia
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the bolus delivery function during the startup phase and replaces it with purely infusion-based control. By removing bolus administration in this critical transition period, the system eliminates the sharp insulin spikes that could cause severe hypoglycemia while maintaining glucose control through adjusted infusion rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential hypoglycemia by prohibiting bolus delivery during startup, creating a protective buffer against severe glucose drops. This preemptive measure cushions against the harmful effects of aggressive insulin delivery before the system fully transitions to automatic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2537110B1Closed-loop glucose control startup
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC
  • EP2537110B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2537110B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2537110B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Disclosed are methods, systems, etc. for closed-loop glucose control startup. In certain example embodiments, a request for entry of an automatic mode of operation of a glucose monitoring and insulin delivery system for a patient may be detected. An entry of the automatic mode of operation may be controlled based, at least in part, on a detected rate of change of blood glucose concentration of the patient. In certain other example embodiments, initiation of a continual phase of an automatic mode of operation may be controlled based, at least in part, on a time since a most recent manual delivery of a bolus, on a detected rate of change of blood glucose concentration, on a targeted fixed set point, a combination thereof, and so forth.