Type 1 Diabetes
Currently, there are three main methods of administering insulin:
Syringe
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition affecting the body’s ability to produce insulin, which is key in controlling blood sugar levels. This means that people with type 1 require
multiple daily doses of hypo/hyperglyceamia.
insulin to avoid episodes of
In the UK, there are almost 350 thousand people living with type 1 diabetes. Of these, around 90% use the Insulin Injector Pen. Whilst this is the most common method, the insulin pump arguably is more convenient. However, the Pump is far more expensive and difficult to obtain on the NHS.
Insulin Pen
Pump Photo credit: interestingengineering.com
Photo credit: gadgetsis.com
Pros:
Accurate dosing Simple to use No wastage of insulin
Photo credit: diabeticsmag.com
Cons:
Multiple daily injections (MDIs) Requires lifting clothing Risk of over-using an injection site, causing swelling and lumps.
Pros:
Convenient to carry User friendly Less ‘scary’ than syringe
Cons:
Can’t dose very small amounts a Multiple daily injections Requires exposure Risk of over-using an injection site
Pros:
Mimics pancreatic function better 1 injection site over three days No lifting of clothing required
Cons:
Attached 24/7 Bulky Risk of malfunction Costs £2000-4000 privately, can take months via the NHS.
ROUTINE
7am
Photo: www.onlymyhealth.com
Check BG levels, eat or bolus(dose insulin) to correct. Eat breakfast.
Photo: thecareact.com
Check BG levels, eat or bolus(dose insulin) to correct. Eat breakfast.
10am
Check BG (finger prick). Eat snack if low.
Check BG. snack if low.
“Eating at events where I can’t easily slip away to inject is stressful. It limits what I can wear.” Reddit user _pickleliquor_ “I think twice if I want to snack. Is it really necessary to eat now? Do I want to inject here? For example if I am at a Christmas market and it is cold outside!” - Alex Völmle, 23
Eat
12pm
3pm
6pm
9pm
Check BG. Bolus in preparation for lunch via injection.
Check BG. Bolus in preparation for large snack via injection.
Check BG. Bolus for evening meal via injection.
Check BG. Inject basal (long lasting) insulin.
Check BG. Bolus in preparation for lunch using the buttons on the pump interface.
Check BG. Bolus in preparation for large snack using buttons on pump.
Check BG. Bolus for evening meal using pump buttons.
Check BG before sleep.
See the full discussion on reddit via the QR code “I am a habitual grazer and hate having to stab myself every time I want to eat something more than a preset amount of carbs! I tend to snack between meals a lot and I hate having to inject upwards of 6 times a day” Reddit user Abatonfan
The routine for the pump and pen is similar in ways such as checking blood glucose levels and bolusing for meals or large snacks. The main difference is the dosage method. As the pump is attached 24/7, it is able to dose a basal amount of insulin throughout the day. The pen requires multiple injections and a long lasting insulin instead. The idea I propose eliminates MDIs from pens, and the expense and bulk of pumps.
THE IDEA The infusion set patch is 2cm across (excluding adhesive patch) requires one injection and stays on for three days.
Long lasting insulin can be injected directly into the infusion set to avoid mixing with the rapid acting insulin in the extension tube
The injector set allows a syringe or pen to dose the user without having to pierce or expose the skin. If necessary, the extension tube can be detached from the infusion set. For example when bathing or exercising.
The injection set conveniently clips onto the belt or can be tucked away.
“I like your idea really much. I think a would use it especially in winter months. Those days would be so much easier and more discret with. It also saves needles.” Alex Völmle, 23 - T1 Diabetic from Germany
The extension tube if flexible enough to be routed under or through multiple layers of clothing.
“If this idea can be produced using bio-safe materials and a clean environment can be maintained, then I think this idea would benefit thousands!” - Practising Nurse from Saville Medical Group, Newcastle upon Tyne
FEATURES As with a normal injection, the site can be wiped with an alcoholic swab to sterilise the area.
Long lasting insulin (injected once a day) can be injected directly into the infusion set and through the cannula to avoid mixing with rapid acting insulin.
Healable
membrane stops backflow and leakage when dosing with a needle.
DERMIS Soft cannula
The extension tube can be detached and the infusion set plugged to prevent contaminants from getting in.
EPIDERMIS
SUBCUTANEOUS LAYER
MUSCLE
Clip allows the user to attach the injection set to clothing out of the way.
Expected manufacture price per unit would be only ÂŁ0.50.
Extension tube delivers insulin from the syringe/ pen to the infusion set. Small inner diameter reduces wasted insulin from priming.
Inject discreetly and conveniently. Anywhere.