“The advantage of this pump is that it measures whether the sugar level is too high or too low, and adjusts the insulin supply accordingly,” explains Van Dijk. ‘For patients who have trouble getting their sugar levels in order, this is a solution. For them, this means a significant improvement in quality of life. “
How does it work?
The device consists of two parts. The patient receives a sensor plate on the skin, the size of a mushroom disc, with a tube (cannula) attached to it in the body. The measured blood sugar values are transmitted to a box via a secure wireless connection.
In that box is an ampoule of insulin, which is administered through a tube in the body. The device therefore calculates the required amount itself. The patient no longer has to worry about it.
The box with associated sensor (Photo: Joyce Kranenborg / RTV Noord)
Type 1 and type 2
The box is primarily intended for patients with type 1 diabetes. Van Dijk: ‘This group often has diabetes at an early age. Their pancreas no longer functions, meaning that their bodies cannot produce insulin. These patients must always receive insulin immediately if necessary. “
The new device is in principle also suitable for patients with type 2 diabetes, popularly called ‘old-age sugar’. ‘But this type is related to lifestyle and generally good to treat with tablets. They therefore do not need this insulin pump, “says Van Dijk.
Solid lobby
Six patients have had the new pump since this week. A strong lobby preceded this. “Before that, we had to gain confidence,” says the UMCG doctor. “Representatives of the manufacturer flew in a number of times to come and have a look at our diabetes center. They were impressed by our expertise. Our enthusiasm has also helped, I think. “
Cost
The new insulin pump has a price tag – “around eight or nine thousand euros” – but most health insurers are willing to reimburse the costs. Patients’ health benefits and they also have to go to the hospital less often. The pump is also likely to be available at other diabetes centers throughout the year during the year.
What is diabetes?
According to the Diabetes Fonds, about one in fourteen Dutch people (more than 1.2 million people) has diabetes, commonly referred to as diabetes. The best known forms of the disease are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Nine out of ten sugar patients have type 2 diabetes.
In someone with diabetes, the body can no longer maintain blood sugar levels due to problems with the hormone insulin. A too high blood sugar level can lead to a hyper, a too low to a hypo. And they can lead to serious physical problems if they are not recognized in time.
The exact cause of the disease is unknown.
This video from the Diabetes Fund explains what diabetes is exactly:
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Also read:
– UMCG: Glucose inhibitors very effective in type 2 diabetes
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