Recent Advances in Intelligent Engineering

Eyal Dassau's Presentation

The Artificial Pancreas: A Medically Inspired Automated Glucose Control System

Abstract: Control engineering and automation are an integral part of modern life. Automation and control are used constantly to enhance productivity and quality, as well as to provide safety and, most importantly, to improve the quality of life. Closed-loop systems and smart devices can be found in home appliances, automobiles, aviation and more. As in other aspects of life, the principles of automation and control can be used in medical devices and in the management of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). The idea of an algorithmic or technological way to automate glucose control is not new and has been researched for more than four decades. However, improvements in glucose sensing technology, insulin delivery and communication, together with advances in control and systems engineering, have made this dream of an artificial pancreas possible. Different attempts are being made to design algorithms for the artificial pancreas; some are targeting overnight control, while others are designed to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia or overcome meal challenges and exercise based on bi-hormonal or uni-hormonal design. This talk will provide a step-by-step journey to the design principles of a medically inspired control algorithm for 24/7 automated glucose control. The innovative engineering design that provides safe and effective glucose control along with the clinical evaluation will be presented.

Short bio: https://doyle.seas.harvard.edu/dassau/