Conventional insulin delivery methods, while effective, come with limitations, such as injections that cause discomfort and lead to bruising or scarring with prolonged use. Insulin pumps, though efficient, are often expensive and require regular maintenance, making them less accessible for patients. Both methods demand constant blood sugar monitoring and manual adjustments, which can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and prone to human error. Also, they lack the ability to respond in real time to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leaving room for dosing inaccuracies and delayed interventions.
Addressing these challenges, Ahmedabad University's Associate Professor Sanket Patel from the School of Engineering and Applied Science and alumni Drashti Soni and Mohammed Umar Khalak, BTech Class of 2023, designed an integrated device that combines glucose monitoring and insulin delivery. This innovative system aims to revolutionise diabetes management by introducing smart communication capabilities.
The device delivers optimised bolus doses of insulin based on a doctor's pre-defined profile, offering a reliable alternative to multiple daily injections. It is equipped with a connected glucometer sensor, enables real-time monitoring of blood glucose levels, and ensures precise, personalised insulin dosing tailored to the user's specific needs.
The advanced delivery system is encased in a protective outer box, which houses two brushless DC (BLDC) motors that manage insulin delivery. These motors are connected to a series of links and shafts that control the movement of a piston, ensuring accurate insulin flow. The device uses the motors to drive the piston, pushing insulin from a cylinder through pipes into the body. Valves in the pipes regulate the flow, ensuring accuracy and control. An infrared (IR) sensor monitors the piston’s movement, providing real-time feedback to ensure proper operation. In case of any faults, the system automatically stops to prevent incorrect insulin delivery.
The device is equipped with smart features, including a Bluetooth module for seamless communication with user interfaces like smartphones. It integrates with an insulin patch device that measures blood glucose levels and transmits the data to the delivery device. Based on this information, the system adjusts insulin dosages automatically, enhancing convenience and precision. A control unit provides personalised insulin recommendations and alerts users or healthcare providers if insulin levels are low or any issues arise, ensuring proactive and reliable care.
The insulin delivery device combines advanced mechanics, sensors, and smart connectivity to provide a safer and more efficient way for people with diabetes to manage their insulin needs. The system includes a user-friendly mobile app that facilitates seamless connectivity with external devices, such as smartphones, enabling efficient data transfer and communication. The device also has a secure locking mechanism to protect sensitive medical information. By delivering personalised care and enabling continuous glucose monitoring, this innovative system optimises diabetes management, empowering patients to maintain better control over their health more efficiently. This innovation led to recognition, wherein the team received a patent from the Government of India’s Patent Office.