Abu Dhabi, UAE: In line with its strategic innovative approach, HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, part of United Eastern Medical Services (UEMedical) and a Mubadala Health partner, has started offering people with diabetes the option of installing a new smart insulin pump that acts as an alternative to the pancreas known as Artificial Pancreas (MiniMed 780G). In the past few weeks, a growing demand has been witnessed in the center from patients with diabetes type 1 especially children and adolescents to install the new artificial pancreatic system.
The first device was installed on 2nd August, making HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center one of the first centers to use this technology in Abu Dhabi. Following that, the device was installed for 8 patients, and another 10 will also have this innovative device installed in the coming 2 weeks. ‘Minimed 780G’ is the world’s latest insulin pump system or in other words artificial pancreas. It is accredited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The MiniMed™ 780G system automatically adjusts insulin delivery to patient needs for an easier way to stabilize glucose levels, using modern medical technologies and algorithms. It consists of a small pump filled with insulin, the size of a smart phone which makes it easy to carry, and could either be fixed on the belt or put in the pocket; and it gives the body the needed amounts of insulin through a small tube fixed on the belly, which should be moved every 3 days. The device is also connected to a smart phone using Bluetooth through a sensor that sends notifications about levels of blood glucose around the clock. So, it tracks blood glucose using a continuous glucose monitor and automatically delivers insulin when needed using an insulin pump. It can also correct high glucose levels during sleep and thus avoiding undesirable consequences.
Mr. Majd Abu Zant, Chief Executive Officer of United Eastern Medical Services (UEMedical) said, “With patients in mind, we are always seeking ways to offer an integrated digitally-enabled healthcare service across our facilities in the UAE including HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, Danat Al Emarat Hospital, HealthPlus Fertility, and Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi. Such technologies as the artificial pancreas improve the quality of a patient life as well as patients compliance resulting in improved clinical outcomes. In partnership with one of the leading diabetes hospitals in Germany, HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center establishes itself as a center of excellence in diabetes care where all services a patient with diabetes need come under one roof by top-notch clinicians including a team of endocrinology and diabetes consultants, internists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists, psychiatrists, diabetes educators and dietitians. It is a holistic approach to help avoid diabetes expected complications to the eyes, feet, kidneys, heart and other body parts; and that is all further enhanced when utilizing modern and innovative technologies such as this technology to improve the way healthcare is delivered.”
Dr. Mohammed Al-Khatib, Medical Director, Diabetes & Endocrinology Consultant at HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center said, “the new device helps people with diabetes type 1 who are mostly children and adolescents to live a normal life, as the artificial pancreas reduces the risk of hypoglycemic episodes. This technology has accomplished great clinical outcomes on people as it frees them from the multiple blood sugar tests through pricking fingertips and the daily insulin injections. So, without the patient intervention, the insulin infusion is paused and restarted automatically depending on the body needs. We are truly proud to be pioneers in launching this new technology to our patients.”
Mrs. Salwa Azzi, Diabetes Educator, at HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center in Abu Dhabi, who is in-charge of this program and for installing these devices for patients and providing them with the education needed, said, “it is also possible to install this device on people with type 2 diabetes who depend on insulin. People who used the device so far, who actually came to us from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Al Dhafra expressed their satisfaction with the new technology for its simplicity, and the fact that it reads their blood sugar levels every 5 minutes around the clock (288 times daily). It gives them peace of mind and ease. Installing this new artificial insulin pump is the ideal solution for people with diabetes regardless of age; they would only need a brief training by our educators on how to use the device and change the location of the tube. For young children, the parents are definitely involved in the process and trained.”
