Continuous glucose monitoring and closed-loop systems.
BACKGROUND
The last two decades have witnessed unprecedented technological progress in the development of continuous glucose sensors, resulting in the first generation of commercial glucose monitors. This has fuelled the development of prototypes of a closed-loop system based on the combination of a continuous monitor, a control algorithm, and an insulin pump.


METHODS
A review of electromechanical closed-loop approaches is presented. This is followed by a review of existing prototypes and associated glucose sensors. A literature review was undertaken from 1960 to 2004.


RESULTS
Two main approaches exist. The extracorporeal s.c.-s.c. approach employs subcutaneous glucose monitoring and subcutaneous insulin delivery. The implantable i.v.-i.p. approach adopts intravenous sampling and intraperitoneal insulin delivery. Feasibility of both solutions has been demonstrated in small-scale laboratory studies using either the classical proportional-integral-derivative controller or a model predictive controller. Performance in the home setting has yet to be demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
The glucose monitor remains the main limiting factor in the development of a commercially viable closed-loop system, as presently available monitors fail to demonstrate satisfactory characteristics in terms of reliability and/or accuracy. Regulatory issues are the second limiting factor. Closed-loop systems are likely to be used first by health-care professionals in controlled environments such as intensive care units.
Hovorka
R
R
Diabetes Modelling Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. r.hororka@uk.avecho.com
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000465:Algorithms; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007332:Insulin Infusion Systems; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010537:Peritoneum
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin