Sensor-Augmented Insulin Delivery: Insulin Plus Glucagon Versus Insulin Alone

This study aims to test an insulin and glucagon delivery algorithm designed to be used in conjunction with a continuous glucose monitoring system. This combined glucose sensing/hormone delivery approach is a step on the way to eventual development of an artificial (or automated) pancreas. The insulin and glucagon delivery algorithm is based on the difference between the current blood glucose and the target glucose (proportional error) and the rate of change in blood glucose (derivative error), both adjusted for the recent glucose history. This algorithm is called the Fading Memory Proportional-Derivative (FMPD) Algorithm. The principal investigator of this study has published previous research regarding the use of this algorithm and found it to be well-suited to control blood glucose in type 1 diabetic animals. The addition of glucagon was helpful; better glycemic control with fewer glucose excursions were observed when small intermittent infusions of subcutaneous glucagon were given during times of impending low blood sugar (Ward et al. 2008).