Last fall, Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) won FDA approval of a closed-loop system that automatically tracks blood sugar levels and delivers insulin as necessary. The system is being heralded as a major advance in treating diabetes, because it significantly reduces the need for finger sticks and insulin shots. Will this new device be a hit?

There are about 1.25 million Americans with Type 1 diabetes, and for these patients, managing their blood sugar levels can seem like a full-time job.

Image source: Getty Images.

Type 1 diabetes patients must regularly check their blood sugar levels with finger sticks, and then dose themselves with insulin when blood sugar levels require it. Unfortunately, this scattershot approach to managing the disease results in many patients failing to maintain appropriate blood glucose levels, especially at night, or when exercising. Because time spent outside of desired blood sugar ranges can accelerate disease progression and lead to life-threatening conditions, inadequately controlled diabetes remains a big problem.

Fortunately, medical device makers have developed new technology like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors that help patients better control their disease, however, until now, there wasn't a FDA-approved closed-loop system for the monitoring and dosing of insulin available.

The FDA gave Medtronics MiniMed 670G a green light after trial results showed that it helped patients remain within their desired blood sugar range over a three-month period. The trial included bothadults and children with Type 1 diabetes, and A1C levels fell from 7.7% to 7.1% in children and from 7.3% to 6.8% in adults. There also was a 44% decline in time spent with blood glucose below 70 mg/dL and a 40% decline in time spent with dangerous hypoglycemia, or levels below 50 mg/dL.

Image source: Medtronic.

The MiniMed 670G uses sensors to automatically monitor blood glucose levels every five minutes and it uses a pump to automatically administer insulin as it's needed. A daily finger-stick is still required to calibrate the system, and the insulin pump needs to be refilled every few days, but the system still significantly reduces the treatment burden on patients.

The MiniMed 670G system includes a sensor that's attached to the body and that must be changed weekly, an insulin pump that's worn on the waist, and an infusion patch that connects to the pump to administer insulin via a catheter.

Medtronic's device is an important advance in automating diabetes treatment, but it's not approved for use in Type 1 diabetes patients who are younger than 14 (yet), it still requires some patient involvement, and it's arguably a bit bulkier of a solution for active patients, who may prefer wireless pumps, such as Insulet's (NASDAQ:PODD) Omnipod.

Omnipod is atubeless insulin management system that delivers insulin for up to three days using a wireless programming device. Oftentimes, patients pair Omnipod up with a continuous glucose monitor, such as those made byDexCom(NASDAQ:DXCM), to provide even better control of their disease.

Medtronic only began shipping the MiniMed 670G to patients recently, so the verdict isn't in on whether it will win away consumers from these other solutions. If it does, then it could be an important new source of revenue for Medtronic. However, that tailwind could only be temporary, because the MiniMed 670G may face stiff competition soon.Insulet, for example, is working on its own closed-loop system that incorporates DexCom's sensors, and if trials are successful, its system could be available as soon as next year. Similar systems are also being developed by Tandem and Bigfoot Biomedical, so you'll want to pay attention to their progress, too.

Todd Campbell has no position in any stocks mentioned.His clients may have positions in the companies mentioned.The Motley Fool owns shares of Medtronic. The Motley Fool recommends Insulet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Is Medtronic's Artificial Pancreas the Next Big Thing in Diabetes? - Motley Fool

A diagnosis of diabetes can be scary and confusing for many people, especially with all the myths surrounding the disease and how to manage it.

But if you are one of the millions of Americans diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes each year, understanding the facts can help you make positive changes and gain control over the condition so you can lead a healthier life.

The Diabetes Management Program at University Medical Center of Princeton (UMCP) helps adults and children diagnosed with diabetes learn how to live with the condition. It also provides education to enable patients to make informed lifestyle changes based on facts rather than myths.

MYTH:The most important item to watch in your diet is sugar, and if a food is sugar-free, you can eat as much as you want.

FACT:Years ago, people were advised that to prevent and control diabetes they just needed to avoid or reduce sugar in their diet. However, just because a food is low in sugar or sugar-free, it could still be high in carbohydrates. And total carbohydrates are the real culprits in raising glucose levels after you eat.

Carbohydrates include starches (such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes, and cereals), fruits, milk and vegetables. Most vegetables are low in carbohydrates, and protein and fats have minimal or no carbohydrate. When it comes to managing diabetes, it is not enough to just avoid sugar, it is important to watch your total carbohydrate intake for meals and snacks.

Everyone is different though and the amount of carbohydrates you need varies by individual. For example, people with type 2 or pre-diabetes may need to limit or controlthe amount of carbs they eat each day, while someone with type 1 diabetes may need to match their insulin doses to how much carbohydrate they want to eat.

MYTH:You dont need to do anything if you are told you have pre-diabetes or borderline diabetes.

FACT:Not true! Pre-diabetes is defined as having fasting glucose levels between 100-125, or a hemoglobin A1c between 5.7-6.4. This is higher than normal, but right below the cut-off point for diabetes. More than 86 million American adults more than 1 out of 3 have pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While having pre-diabetes is a risk factor for developing diabetes, you may be able to reverse the progression or delay the development for years through diet and exercise. If you are able to lose 5 to 10 percent of your weight and get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, you can increase your chances of keeping diabetes at bay. In addition, if you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, it is important to follow up with your doctor and have your hemoglobin a1c levels checked every three months, and to monitor your glucose at home if necessary or desired.

MYTH:There is only one diabetic diet, or one way to eat for managing diabetes.

FACT:Also, not true! There may be general guidelines to make it easier to get started, but each person needs an individualized plan, taking into consideration their preferences, lifestyle, activity, weight, diabetes medications, and glucose levels. While one person may be able to eat three regular meals a day, another may benefit from eating three small meals and two to three snacks. Amounts of carbohydrates, fat, and calories will be different for each person as well. For someone monitoring their glucose levels at home, they can see the effects of their diet on their glucose levels and make changes accordingly. Registered dietitians, especially those who are also certified diabetes educators, can help develop a diet plan tailored to individual needs.

MYTH:If you cant exercise for 30 to 60 minutes or more a day, dont bother.

FACT:Research has shown that just 10 to 15 minute increments of exercise or activity two to three times daily or even every other day can be beneficial and reduce glucose levels, especially after meals. For people who sit most of the day, getting up and walking around for 5 minutes every 30 to 60 minutes can be beneficial as well. Also, exercise can include chair exercises, strength training and using weights, or a combination of aerobic and strength. Put simply, moving more is good for your health.

Nationally Recognized Care

There is now a wide range of effective treatments for diabetes, greatly reducing the risks of serious complications. Finding a healthy personal balance learning to control your blood sugar levels through a combination of good nutrition, exercise and often medication is key to successfully managing your diabetes.

The Diabetes Management Program at UMCP is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a quality diabetes self-management education program that meets the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. This award is based on a rigorous clinical review process every four years to ensure high standards of diabetes care and education.

The program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of diabetes specialists, including registered nurses and registered dietitians, who work closely with each individual patient and their physician and other healthcare providers to help effectively manage their diabetes and enjoy an improved quality of life. Services include:

Individual and group education sessions by registered nurses and dietitians

Blood glucose monitoring instruction

Community outreach programs

Diabetes care and management for pre-pregnancy/conception and during pregnancy

Medical Nutrition Therapy/nutrition education and meal planning

Professionally facilitated monthly support groups

For more information about the Diabetes Management Program at UMCP, go to http://www.princetonhcs.org or call 609-853-7890.

Sandra Byer-Lubin is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with University Medical Center at Princetons Diabetes Management Program.

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HEALTH MATTERS: Busting Diabetes Myths - Packet Online

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Published at 6:52 AM EDT on Apr 13, 2017

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Happening Today: United, 'Cocaine Cowboy,' Diabetes, Charlie Murphy - NBC New York

New research from Finland suggests that higher blood levels of indolepropionic acid - a product of gut bacteria that is increased by a fiber-rich diet - may help to protect against type 2 diabetes.

Writing about the discovery in the journal Scientific Reports, the team - led by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio - suggests that it increases our understanding of the important part played by gut bacteria in the relationship between diet, metabolism, and health.

Diabetes is a disease in which the blood contains too much sugar, or glucose - a vital source of energy for the body's cells.

If uncontrolled, high blood sugar can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and amputation of lower limbs.

Levels of blood sugar are regulated by the hormone insulin, which is made in the pancreas.

The type of diabetes that develops depends on whether the high blood glucose results from lack of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the body's inability to use insulin (type 2 diabetes).

Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common form of diabetes around the world and largely develops from being overweight and not exercising.

Once a disease occurring only in adults, the number of children with type 2 diabetes is now on the rise.

Fast facts about diabetes

Learn more about diabetes

The global prevalence of diabetes among adults (90 percent of which is type 2 diabetes) has gone up from 4.7 percent in 1980 to 8.5 percent in 2014.

In the United States, there are more than 29 million people living with diabetes. There are also 86 million living with prediabetes, a serious condition that raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other lifelong health problems.

In their study introduction, the researchers note that it is now well-known that factors such as genes, lifestyle, and diet can influence the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

However, what is less clear is what happens at the molecular level to link these factors to the disease.

The new study uses metabolomics, a relatively new technology that allows scientists to quickly assess the metabolite profiles of people.

Metabolites are molecules that cells in the body - including gut bacteria - produce as byproducts of their activity.

Using a particular tool called "nontargeted metabolomics analysis," the researchers assessed the metabolite profiles of 200 participants in the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study who had impaired glucose tolerance and were overweight when the study began.

The participants fell into two groups. One group developed type 2 diabetes within 5 years, and the other group did not develop type 2 diabetes during the 15 years of follow-up.

When the researchers compared the metabolite profiles of the two groups, they found that what stood out was differences in levels of indolepropionic acid and certain lipid metabolites.

Further analysis suggested that having high blood levels of indolepropionic acid, a byproduct of gut bacteria, appeared to protect against developing type 2 diabetes.

Also, a diet rich in fiber and whole grain foods appears to increase levels of indolepropionic acid, which in turn raises the amount of insulin produced by the beta cells in the pancreas, note the authors.

The team confirmed the findings by looking at the link between indolepropionic acid and risk for type 2 diabetes in the data from two other studies: the Finnish Metabolic Syndrome In Men Study, and the Swedish Vsterbotten Intervention Project. These also showed that indolepropionic acid appears to protect against type 2 diabetes.

The researchers suggest that their study shows that it may be more feasible to use metabolite profiles rather than identifying the bacteria themselves (which is a more complex process) to look at links with diseases such as diabetes.

"Earlier studies, too, have linked intestinal bacteria with the risk of disease in overweight people. Our findings suggest that indolepropionic acid may be one factor that mediates the protective effect of diet and intestinal bacteria."

Corresponding author Dr. Kati Hanhineva

Learn how statins are linked to a higher risk of diabetes in older women.

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Gut bacteria compound may help to prevent type 2 diabetes - Medical News Today

Chicago Sun-Times

Diabetes awareness, treatment need big push among minorities Chicago Sun-Times Nearly four of every 10 people in parts of Chicago's South and West Side neighborhoods have Type 2 diabetes, risking serious and even life-threatening health problems as they age. Rates of diabetes range from 17 percent to 37 percent in Chicago's South ...

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Diabetes awareness, treatment need big push among minorities - Chicago Sun-Times

Logo provided bywww.journeyawards.com

Logo provided bywww.journeyawards.com

Twenty-five patients with type 1 diabetes will be recognized with a 'Lilly Diabetes Journey Award,' during a celebration on the Deaconess Hospital campus on Thursday.

During the celebration, a patient will share his personal story during the event, and Deaconess Clinic endocrinologists will also participate in the program.

Six individuals will be recognized for 50 years of successfully managing their type 1 diabetes.

The Journey Awards ceremony will celebrate the significant journey people have taken to manage their type 1 diabetes with the help of insulin.

With friends, family, physicians, and others in attendance, recipients will be presented with a custom-engraved medal, along with a congratulatory letter signed by Lilly's President and Chief Executive Officer. The Lilly Diabetes Journey Awards program was established by Eli Lilly, grandson of Lilly's founder, Col. Eli Lilly, in 1975 to recognize individuals who have successfully managed their diabetes with the help of insulin for 10, 25, 50, or 75 years or more.

These local Journey Awards recipients will join the thousands of individuals who have received the honor since the award was first established. The celebration begins at 4:30 in Johnson Hall, which is located in the Health Sciences Building on Edgar Street on the Deaconess Hospital campus.

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Patients with Diabetes Recognized at Deaconess Hospital Campus - Tristatehomepage.com