Students create closed-loop insulin pump software for diabetes care

A team of five biomedical engineering students from Texas A&M University, sponsored by Medtronic MiniMed, developed a prototype closed-loop algorithm for an implantable insulin pump system aimed at improving diabetes care for patients with Type 1 diabetes. Unlike many existing insulin pumps that require manual adjustments, this system automates insulin delivery by continuously communicating with a glucose monitor. The algorithm adjusts insulin doses based on real-time blood sugar levels, reducing the need for patient input and potentially easing the mental burden of disease management. Team member Jacob Kimbrough, who has Type 1 diabetes himself, contributed personal insight to the project, emphasizing the importance of automation in daily care. This innovation represents a step toward more advanced, artificial pancreas-like systems that operate inside the body rather than as external devices. Medtronic MiniMed views the students’ work as promising early progress and plans to further develop and refine the algorithm. The collaboration also provided valuable real-world engineering experience for the students and aligns with ongoing efforts to create safer,