The company designed its MiniMed 780G advanced hybrid closed-loop insulin pump system to automatically adjust and correct sugars every five minutes. According to Medtronic, it marks the first and only insulin pump system in Canada to do so. It also features SmartGuard technology for avoiding highs and lows in blood sugar.
SmartGuard enables users to personalize their glucose goals with an adjustable target setting. The setting — as low as 5.5 mmol/L — comes in lower than any other advanced hybrid closed-loop system, Medtronic said. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels to further improve glucose control.
Medtronic said in a news release that the system also significantly reduces the need for injections. It does so for up to 96% of those using insulin pens alone, the company said.
“Designed for real life” by Medtronic
“Our latest system is designed for real life by increasing automation for an easier way to help stabilize sugar levels,” said Laura Cameron, senior director of endocrinology at Medtronic Canada. “Mealtimes can be stressful, especially when you’re on the go, so we’re pleased to have designed an advanced algorithm that automatically covers for underestimated carbs with meal detection technology. “
The next-generation MiniMed 780G requires less input from the user and simplifies day-to-day interactions with the pump. It features Bluetooth connectivity so users and care partners can see real-time data and trends. The pump connects to compatible iOS and Android smartphones.
“Without any question, people with type 1 diabetes face an incredibly difficult challenge with achieving blood sugar levels in the target range as well as a huge amount of burden even when they succeed,” said Dr. Bruce Perkins, endocrinologist, and professor of medicine at the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Toronto. “I am excited by the major advancements in new devices and new closed loop algorithms that truly help people stay in range more consistently, get back in range when things haven’t gone as expected, all the while simplifying the work of diabetes self-management.”
In September, Medtronic announced results from the ADAPT study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. The study demonstrated improved glycemic control and treatment satisfaction among users of MiniMed 780G.
The future of MiniMed 780G in Canada and beyond
New customers in Canada buying existing pumps today can upgrade to 780G at no cost for a limited time. Customers with existing MiniMed 770G insulin pumps can perform a software update in the coming months. Medtronic expects to make its 780G system hardware pump commercially available in 2023.
MiniMed 780G’s indication covers the management of type 1 diabetes people aged seven to 80 years. Those users take a total daily dose of insulin reaching eight units per day or more. The system continuously delivers basal insulin at selectable rates and in selectable amounts.
Its SmartGuard feature offers programming to provide automatic insulin delivery adjustments based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). It can suspend the delivery of insulin when the value falls below (or is predicted to fall below) predefined thresholds.
“Since launching the world’s first hybrid closed loop system, we continue to advance innovations that help people spend more time living their lives and less time worrying about their diabetes management,” said Cameron. “The MiniMed 780G system delivers on our ongoing commitment to reduce the burden of diabetes and improve control for patients.”
Medtronic offers MiniMed 780G system in more than 60 countries. It currently sits under FDA review. Medtronic has hopes for clearance during the current fiscal year. If clearance takes place, it would be good news for a Diabetes business that recenlty faced regulatory troubles. The company recently said that it’s achieved 90% of the FDA’s action items.
