UNAM designs insulin device

• April 28, 2024

The diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in Mexico and, on many occasions, is derived from overweight and obesity . According to National Health Survey 2006 , the majority of those who suffer from it do not control their sugar levels in blood to reduce the risk of major complications.

According to information from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), people with this condition need insulin infusions to maintain the glucose in stable ranges, and the therapy most used are the injections of hormone because of its low cost.

For this reason, a multidisciplinary group of researchers (biomedical engineers, doctors, mathematicians, veterinarians and biologists), in which the Medical Research Unit of Metabolic Diseases of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), and the Postgraduate Faculty of Engineering (FI), of the UNAM, designs an intelligent device, and useful for all patients in any circumstance.

The project consists of a sensor that measures the levels of glucose in real time, and a pump to supply the dose necessary, explained Ana Gabriela Gallardo , of the FI.

Gallardo Hernández pointed out that it is intended to design a controller that works for everyone, regardless of the degree of progress of the condition, amount of carbohydrates who ingest, practice exercise to improve their condition or levels of sugar .

Also, the researcher indicated that glucose is the primary source of energy for metabolism, so to be taken from food requires the mediation of the insulin , substance produced by the pancreas.

The concentration of up to 100 mg / dl of glucose it is considered normal; if it is less, it causes complications in different organs , mainly in the brain , which consumes 70 milligrams per minute. If the levels are 126 mg / dL or higher, and persist for a prolonged period, they can cause tissue, nerve and blood vessel damage, which is known as chronic hyperglycemia .

To regulate them, a therapy of injected insulin , in order to decrease the concentrations of glucose in the diabetic organism. It is uncomfortable, since it is required to measure levels three or four times a day before each injection . The doses are calculated by the doctor, which does not mean they are optimal, he said.

What researchers are looking for with this device is to automate this process. The specialist added that this type of inquiry is aimed at reproducing the function of the pancreas , with the purpose of creating an artificial one that improves the quality of life of the patients, by improving their glycemic levels.

The controller, tested experimentally in the Medical Research Unit of Metabolic Diseases, National Medical Center Siglo XXI of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), is currently modified to be used in patients.

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