New Option to Help with Insulin Control
An Australian-first is launched in Melbourne today
Medtronic bringing the MiniMed 670G insulin pump to Australia.
The system, the only one of its kind in Australia, is designed to learn a person’s individual insulin needs and requires minimal input from the user.
It does this by measuring blood glucose levels every five minutes and takes action against high and low blood glucose levels. This means the user only needs to enter mealtime carbs, accept bolus corrections and conduct the occasional calibration of the sensor.
The new technology is really designed to simplify elements of type 1 diabetes (T1D) management that need to be done across a day, while still providing optimal control of blood glucose levels.
The system is approved in Australia for people living with T1D aged over seven who need at least eight units of insulin a day.
Commenting on the availability of the new device, JDRF CEO Mike Wilson, states;
“Technological advances have always been an important element in improving the management of type 1 diabetes. JDRF welcomes the availability of new technologies such as this system”.
Broadly speaking, new innovations and technologies have historically an important part of improving outcomes for people living with T1D. However for these new innovations to be available to the public, they first must be discovered. And this discovery and translation from a concept to a safe, viable product requires research. That is why JDRF was so pleased with last week’s announcement of $54.5 million for T1D research. Hot on the heels of the Australian Labor Party’s $50m commitment to fund the CRN, it shows that both sides of politics understand this too.
For more information on this device, visit the Medtronic Diabetes website.
