I Have An Idea; Please Don't Steal It; Many Witnesses Here

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Has anyone ever thought of somekind of internal device for diabetics that delivers the appropriate amount of insulin automatically? If they can make an internal defibrillator, why can't there by an internal device that measures blood sugar and delivers insulin? Am I just throwing out a crazy idea or does this have some merit? Not that I would have $1000 for a patent. If I had that, there would be glow in the dark pacifiers floating around right now with my name on them.:idea:

Specializes in ED.

I think they do have one that also checks glucose as well as delivering insulin (may have seen it on the news in the last year or so) but like someone was saying it doesn't automatically deliver based on the reading, and you still need to check yourself every so often to be sure its accurate. (may be wrong though)

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I have 3 Type I diabetic relatives using these pumps,and they are indeed life-savers.

You had a GREAT idea, by the way. Sorry someone kind of beat you to it...

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A great idea you've thought of... just several years too late. The only thing I can think of is if you are referring the already existing pump, but also having the unit automatically check the BS and doing everything without any intervention except for the obvious of refilling the insulin. Where diet, exercise and many factors influence sugars, it almost seems a computer chip of sorts would have to be created. Sounds like the theory of an artificial heart, except here an artificial pancreas.

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Specializes in ICU/ER/TRANSPORT.

What I would like to see is a wireless cardiac monitor for ekgs,nibp,spo2 readings, so you wont be tripping on the cords and the pt pulling at the lead wires all day.

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.....

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I think all of yo are missing her point (or maybe *I* am missing it?). The OP is talking about an INTERNALLY placed insulin pump. All of you who are saying that it's already been invented are talking about insulin pumps that are external. I did a quick internet search and could find no reference to an internally implanted insulin pump.

Does anyone have a link to information about an internally implanted insulin pump currently in use? Because that is what the OP is talking about.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.
It is called an insulin pump, sorry someone already had the idea .

This is the story of my life. :lol_hitti How the heck are their insulin pumps out there and I never knew it. Oh well, everyday is a schoolday.:uhoh3:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.
I think all of yo are missing her point (or maybe *I* am missing it?). The OP is talking about an INTERNALLY placed insulin pump. All of you who are saying that it's already been invented are talking about insulin pumps that are external. I did a quick internet search and could find no reference to an internally implanted insulin pump.

Does anyone have a link to information about an internally implanted insulin pump currently in use? Because that is what the OP is talking about.

Thank you Queenjean. That is what I meant.

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From one of the links posted by dria:

"Approaches Under Development

Implantable insulin pumps are surgically implanted under the skin of the abdomen. The pump delivers small amounts of insulin throughout the day and extra amounts before meals or snacks. Users can control doses with a remote control unit that prompts the pump to give the specified amount of insulin. The pump is refilled with insulin every 2 to 3 months."

Sorry, Jill. A couple of years too late! Apparently you weren't the only person who thought it was a good idea.

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Specializes in Diabetes ED, (CDE), CCU, Pulmonary/HIV.

The "closed system" artificial pancreas is still being developed. One of the best features of the existing insulin pumps is that they keep a record of insulin onboard to avoid dangers of stacking insulin.

Pumps are used by people on insulin who want to achieve and maintain tight BG control. They are more commonly used by those with type 1 DM, but type 2's use them too. Many people are attracted to the idea of the pump because they think it is less work. However, effective use of an insulin pump is actually more work at the beginning.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.
From one of the links posted by dria:

"Approaches Under Development

Implantable insulin pumps are surgically implanted under the skin of the abdomen. The pump delivers small amounts of insulin throughout the day and extra amounts before meals or snacks. Users can control doses with a remote control unit that prompts the pump to give the specified amount of insulin. The pump is refilled with insulin every 2 to 3 months."

Sorry, Jill. A couple of years too late! Apparently you weren't the only person who thought it was a good idea.

:banghead:

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