Medtronic launches insulin pump system for Type 1 diabetes patients

Medtech player Medtronic has launched the MiniMed 670G system, a self-adjusting insulin pump system for patients who have Type 1 diabetes, in the UK.

The MiniMed 670G system is the first system to automate and personalise the delivery of basal insulin 24 hours a day.

The system features SmartGuard Auto Mode – the company’s most advanced SmartGuard technology and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) – the Guardian Sensor 3. The MiniMed 670G system learns the user’s body and adjusts the delivery of insulin automatically to stabilise glucose levels and avoid hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. This technology finds patterns and makes predictions – enabling the system to mimic some of the functions of a healthy pancreas by making micro-adjustments to insulin delivery every five minutes to stabilise glucose levels.

Dr Lalantha Leelarathna, consultant diabetologist, Manchester Royal Infirmary said: “The MiniMed 670G system’s ability to stabilise glucose levels automatically to help improve time in target glucose range, has the potential to make a positive impact on people living with type 1 diabetes – both from a clinical and quality of life perspective.”

The MiniMed 670G system is indicated for people with T1D who are aged seven years and above and are using a Total Daily Dose (TDD) of more than eight units per day. The MiniMed 670G system is not indicated for use in pregnancy or Type 2 diabetes.

The system also features the Contour Next Link 2.4 blood glucose monitoring system from Ascensia Diabetes Care.

Karen Addington, UK chief executive of the type 1 diabetes charity JDRF, said: “Type 1 diabetes can be tough to live with. But new technologies can reduce the burden, offering individuals and their families the chance to think less about the condition. JDRF provided initial funding that supported research into closed-loop systems, as part of its mission to provide life-changing treatments whilst researching the cure.”