The sensors would provide feedback for improved insulin replacement, either by optimization of conventional injection schedules or by activating new insulin pumps under development elsewhere. The sensors will be placed near the surface of the skin, but the exact location is still being determined. A plausible spot is on the upper chest. The glucose monitoring group will also address other approaches to treating diabetes. Much of what scientists learn from sensors and control algorithms also applies to the optimization of certain proposed biological therapies, such as implants based on encapsulated beta cells and islets harvested from the pancreas.
Islets are cell groups that synthesize insulin.
Learning how to control them could lead to an effective artificial pancreas. The Project on Glucose Monitoring and Control may provide the means. The group will sponsor a Conference on Glucose Monitoring and Control at the Radisson Hotel in La Jolla on February 15-17. The conference is expected to draw over 100 scientists and engineers, government officials, industry representatives and members of the public, and may become an annual event. One of the key objectives is to define performance goals for glucose regulation systems so that progress can be evaluated.