Mercury (Hobart)

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DIABETES patients will have the chance to sleep easier and avoid many more insulin injections, with the most advanced “artificial pancreas” hitting the market.

Based on research led by St Vincent’s Hospital, the world-first insulin pump automatica­lly adjusts blood glucose levels in real-time — a breakthrou­gh for type 1 diabetes patients.

Lead researcher Professor David O’Neal said the device was a long awaited developmen­t to improve the daily lives of those with the lifelong auto-immune disease.

“This helps keep glucose levels automatica­lly in a safe range,” Associate Prof O’Neal said.

Patients only need to adjust their insulin need for meals and exercise.

Shiloh Collins, 7, will be the first Australian child fitted with the pump. The grade two student has used an insulin pump since she was diagnosed at age two. As well as delivering regular insulin, the device sounds an alarm when her blood glucose levels are unstable so her dose can be adjusted.

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