FREEDOM FOR YOUNG DIABETICS
Outpatient center at Nicklaus Children’s using insulin pump.
Two golf pros joined a Jupiter teen with diabetes celebrating the new freedom he has thanks to an “artificial pancreas” — an insulin pump that adjusts itself.
Colton Smith, 16, is among the first patients at Nicklaus Children’s Palm Beach Gardens Outpatient Center to start using the Medtronic MiniMed 670G pump approved by the FDA in 2016. LPGA golfer Michelle McGann, who also uses the pump, and Jack and Barbara Nicklaus joined Smith and his mother, Jean, when they spoke about the device last week.
The pump measures blood sugar, predicts a rise or fall, and delivers exact doses of insulin, according to a news release. Patient interaction is minimal.
Regulating Colton’s blood glucose level used to be a constant battle for him, his mom said. Now, it’s much more steady.
“Since receiving the new device, Colton has gained more confidence to go about his life and participate in sports and activities without worrying as much about the highs and lows,” she said in the news release.
Dr. Miladys Palau, a pediatric endocrinologist at the outpatient center, is trained to administer the system. Eight of her patients use it.
“Dr. Palau is one of the many angel doctors we are blessed and proud to have throughout the Nicklaus Children’s Health System,” said Barbara Nicklaus, founder and chairwoman of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.