DIY artificial pancreas: A narrative of the first patient and the physicians' experiences from India. Issue 2 (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kesavadev, Jothydev; Saboo, Banshi; Kar, Partha; Sethi, Jazz
• Is Part Of: Diabetes & metabolic syndrome. Volume 15:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 615
• Page End: 620
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: DIY Artificial pancreas -- Type 1 diabetes -- Hypoglycemia -- Diabetes technologies -- Quality of life; Diabetes -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Disorders -- Periodicals; Diabetes Mellitus -- Periodicals; Metabolic Diseases -- Periodicals; Diabète -- Périodiques; Métabolisme, Troubles du -- Périodiques; Endocrinologie -- Périodiques; Diabète -- Physiopathologie -- Périodiques; Diabetes; Metabolism -- Disorders; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.02.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1871-4021

Abstract

Abstract: Background aims: Frustrated with the slow-pace of innovations in diabetes technologies, the type 1 diabetes community have started closing the loop by themselves to automate insulin delivery. While the regulatory and ethical concerns over the systems are still high, these have contributed to enhanced glycemic control characterized by improved estimated HbA1c and time-in-range above 90% as for many users. Our objective is to provide the real-world experience of the first successful patient from India on the Do-It-Yourself Artificial Pancreas (DIYAP) and the perspective of her physicians. Methods: A narrative recounting of a personal experience on DIYAP. The patient completed a Hypoglycemia Fear Survey II and Diabetes Quality of Life instrument before and after looping. Results: The patient emphasized the personal/social benefits and the concerns of using the system. Looping has produced a clinically meaningful difference in the quality of life, better sleep patterns, and reduced the disease management burden. We also highlighted the relevant perspectives of the physicians to give deeper insights into the aspect. Conclusion: The patient highlighted better time-in-range, negligible time spent in hypoglycemia, and superior Quality of Life. Globally, more and more patients are adopting this technology; therefore, real-life patient stories will enlighten the medical community. Highlights: After looping HbA1c reduced from 7.2% to 6.2% and time-in-range increased to 90–95% from <60%. The number of hypoglycemic events have reduced to 2–3/month from 2 to 3/day and the awareness towards hypoglycemia improved. After looping, nighttime hypos have disappeared and for the first time after a decade sound sleep has become a reality. The patient highlighted the improvement in the quality of life and reduction in the overall disease management burden.