Managing blood glucose levels in people living with type 2 diabetes and kidney failure has historically been challenging. Good news, from an unlikely source, may be on the horizon.

A recent trial of an artificial pancreas has reported very positive results.

The technology, usually associated with managing type 1 diabetes, involves an external device that is made up of three components: a glucose sensor, a computer algorithm used to calculate insulin dosages, and an insulin pump. This is then connected to your smartphone. The software on your smartphone sends signals to the insulin pump to adjust the dosage as required.

The study, undertaken by the University of Cambridge and the University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland, shows that the use of an artificial pancreas device can safely and effectively help people with type 2 diabetes and kidney failure manage their blood glucose levels.

The study found that people using the artificial pancreas spent an additional 3.5 hours a day in the target blood glucose range. The study also found that the benefits of the device improved over time, as the computer algorithm adapted to the unique needs of the wearer.

An artificial pancreas should allow the wearer more freedom, as it means simpler management of blood glucose levels. At the end of the study, most users reported spending less time managing their diabetes, and less time being concerned about their blood glucose levels.

Research leader Dr Charlotte Boughton from the University of Cambridge said:

‘Patients living with type 2 diabetes and kidney failure are a particularly vulnerable group and managing their condition – trying to prevent potentially dangerous highs or lows of blood sugar levels – can be a challenge. There’s a real unmet need for new approaches to help them manage their condition safely and effectively.’

Type 2 diabetes is a major cause of kidney failure, accounting for just under a third of kidney failure cases.

Kidney failure increases the potential for hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia (extremely high or low blood glucose levels). Managing diabetes in people with both diabetes and kidney failure can be challenging.

People who have experienced full kidney failure also require kidney dialysis—the regular process of removing excess water and toxins from the blood in people whose kidneys can no longer do this naturally.

The device is now being developed for people with type 2 diabetes who do not require kidney dialysis.

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Key points:

• Management of blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney failure can be challenging
• This ‘artificial pancreas’ could be extremely useful for blood glucose management in this demographic
• Most users reported less day-to-day concern about their blood glucose levels when using the device