Communication
A new approach to diabetic control: Fuzzy logic and insulin pump technology

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Abstract

Diabetes is a major health problem. Since the utilisation of insulin in the 1920s there have been myriad problems in developing suitable technologies to formulate and administer correct dosages to temper this metabolic disease. From multiple daily injections, nasal inhalations and enzymatic supplementation these artificial shortcuts still do not have the ability to fully replicate a ‘normoglycaemic’ state of being.

In this paper, we sought to explore the use of insulin pumps and the application of fuzzy logic technology to act as an ‘artificial pancreas’ in diabetic patients. This paper builds on our previous work [Grant P, Naesh, O. Fuzzy logic and decision-making in anaesthetics. J Roy Soc Med 2005;98(1):7–9 [review]].

Introduction

Diabetes is a mounting problem, not only in the UK and western world, but also in developing countries, which are adopting a more western lifestyle and diet [1]. The major aim of therapy for this chronic condition is to attempt to normalise the individual's blood glucose to optimal levels, which in turn will have implications for their health and reduce future complications.

In this review, we want to look at the use of special pumps, which have been developed for the continuous subcutaneous infusion of insulin [2]. Such pumps have been around for some time and allow the patient to control their blood glucose level in a more stable manner than multiple daily injections of insulin. More importantly though we look at the emergent technology of ’fuzzy logic’ which when applied to insulin pump technology is set to enhance glycaemic control even further.

Section snippets

Insulin pump technology

An insulin pump is a small, wearable device, which contains a reservoir of short-acting insulin. It is attached to the patient via simple tubing and a subcutaneous needle. These pumps are not automatic but are programmed to deliver insulin constantly at varying rates, which can be determined by the patient. This replaces the traditional system of several self-administered injections throughout the day.

The disadvantages of multiple daily injections of insulin are that usually three or more

What is fuzzy logic?

How do you define statements such as ‘my blood sugar is on the low side’, or ‘I’m feeling a bit hungry’? Fuzzy logic (FL) is simply a conclusion reached by a computer program, which recognises that all values are not absolutes such as yes or no or black and white. FL makes calculations considering varying degrees between absolutes. For example, it may recognise black and white, yet make an evaluation based on a shade of grey which is somewhere in between [6].

It provides a simple way to arrive

Conclusions

Diabetics are known to be at increased risk for developing chronic complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, blindness and amputations. Insulin dependent diabetes accounts for 5–10% of the diabetic population. The main purpose of this research is to develop a technique, which will automatically regulate blood glucose levels through closed-loop feedback controls. This closed-loop systems should theoretically act as an artificial pancreas on a day-to-day basis.

While fuzzy

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Dr. Derek Lington for his assistance with the editing and formatting of this manuscript.

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