Insulin is a hormone released by pancreatic islet cells that interacts with cells to increase their permeability to glucose. Diabetes is an illness that is becoming more prevalent around the world... Show moreInsulin is a hormone released by pancreatic islet cells that interacts with cells to increase their permeability to glucose. Diabetes is an illness that is becoming more prevalent around the world and is linked with either abnormal insulin production, or utilization or both in the body. Diabetes may be classified into two groups: Type 1 and Type 2 In an individual with Type 1 diabetes, the pancreatic ß cells that normally produce insulin are nonexistent as they have been destroyed due to autoimmune response. In an individual with Type 2 diabetes there is tissue-wide resistance to insulin and usually some impairment of ß cells as well. Therefore, although insulin production may be present its functionality is impaired. Type 1 diabetes is typically treated with frequent extraneous insulin injections, depending on the prevailing blood glucose levels of the individual; however, in order to determine the glucose levels individuals subject themselves to periodic finger pricks throughout the day which is often uncomfortable and stressful. Mechanical devices for insulin delivery, also known as “artificial pancreases”, are currently available in the marketplace. However, these devices are not only highly invasive and painful, but also must be sanitized frequently to prevent infections. As a result, they are inconvenient and many diabetic patients choose not to use them. The goal of IPRO 308 is to develop an automated, non-invasive artificial pancreas that will be capable of determining blood glucose levels and administering an appropriate amount of insulin into the blood stream while causing minimal discomfort to the individual. Show less
