A group of Italian researchers has created a robot that would be able to provide people with diabetes with a dose of insulin without the need for any type of injection. This machine consists of Two parts: a internal insulin dispenser that a doctor would implant in the patient’s abdomen through a surgical operation and a magnetic capsule which is loaded with the hormone.
A method with a lot of potential
It is called PILLSID. Each time the insulin runs out and the dispenser needs to be refilled, the person can swallow the capsule to that travels through the digestive system of the patient until it finally reaches the area where the device is implanted, near the small intestine.
Using magnets, the device rotates the capsule into position and then pierces it with a retractable needle and pumps the insulin fill into a reservoir.
The positive is that the dispenser fills wirelessly, therefore, this limits the interventions that the surgeon must perform to maintain the device.
Then, once the capsule is empty, it continues on its way through the intestines. until she is finally expelled.
The system still needs to be developed
This form of insulin injection for diabetics could be an alternative for people who have to regulate their blood sugar level. It is a mechanism that is less intrusive and has sufficient potential to administer other life-saving medications.
To check the proper functioning of the robot, tests were carried out with three diabetic pigs. It was discovered that smoothly control your insulin levels for a few hours.
However, it was found that the pigs’ body fluids leaked the robot, so the team is already working to better optimize the system and seal it better to avoid these problems.
This novel system has yet to go through further testing and continue to be developed before use in the medical field. Even so, it is likely that this type of device that meets medical needs from within the body itself will gradually become more common.