Patients with type 1 diabetes have begun testing an artificial pancreas as part of a controlled clinical trial in Austria. The device has three parts: a sensor that's placed on the skin to measure blood glucose levels, a hand-held computer that analyzes the information, and a small pump that delivers insulin under the skin continuously.

The test is sponsored by the European Commission and pump manufacturer Disetronic and is administered through City University in London. Twelve patients will test the device while hospitalized for 24 hours on two different occasions.

Dr. Roman Hovorka of City University called the early results of testing "very encouraging" and anticipates that a commercial product could be available in Europe within five years.

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Sources:

• ADA/Reuters Health. Trial of artificial pancreas set for launch. May 13, 2002.
• City University, London. World-beating advance in diabetes care at City University, London. Press release, May 3, 2002.