FDA approves “artificial pancreas” for type 1 diabetes

CNN has a few details on the Medtronic MiniMed 670G, which should be available to consumers this spring:

“The Food and Drug Administration approved a so-called artificial pancreas Wednesday. The first-of-its-kind device, the size of a cell phone, monitors and treats patients with type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes.In those with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone people need to get energy from food. The Medtronic MiniMed 670G system continuously monitors glucose (blood sugar) levels and delivers needed insulin to patients.

“This is a revolutionary day for the treatment of diabetes. We’ve been long awaiting the artificial pancreas, and it’s exciting to see it,” said Dr. Robert Courgi, an endocrinologist at Northwell Health’s South Side Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.”

Source: ‘Artificial pancreas’ for type 1 diabetes wins FDA approval – CNN.com

Cost and insurance coverage issues should be interesting.