Whatcom reporter and type 1 diabetic, Jared Grafenauer, flashes his new technology for the camera. These strange devices on Jared’s body consist of transmitters, an insulin pump, and continuous blood glucose monitors, also known as sensors.
Grafenauer, who has had type 1 diabetes for 10 years, will be the very first person to participate in a medical study for an artificial pancreas. This study has taken years to get approved and will be taking place on Thursday, March 10 at 3:30 pm and end on Friday March 11 at 8:00 pm.
Each sensor has a small tube on the bottom, which is injected into his body. They send blood glucose readings to the transmitters, which then send that information to the insulin pump. Here’s where it gets tricky (as if it wasn’t already confusing). The insulin pump will analyze the blood sugar rating and react to it like a normal human being. “React” meaning injecting insulin into him if his blood sugar rises.
Grafenauer will be lying in a hospital bed for around 20 hours with at least three people–a doctor, a nurse, and an equipment technician–next to him at all hours monitoring the activity of the equipment. Yes, he will have people watching him while he sleeps, which he is not too thrilled about.
Overall, Grafenauer is excited to do the study because it is going to help many people in their struggles with this disease, and is a big step towards the ultimate goal: finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.
You go Jared! …nice picture 🙂