How a Computer System Automatically Adjusts Blood Sugar in Real-Time

This patent describes a computerized system that continuously monitors a patient's blood glucose and automatically adjusts insulin and dextrose delivery to keep blood sugar levels stable, especially for critically ill patients.

What it covers

The system works by using a glucose sensor to measure a patient's blood sugar level in real-time (Claim 1). This information goes to a computer processor, which calculates a running average of the glucose level (Xa) and tracks how fast it's changing by comparing it to a previous average (Xb). A "glucose control module" within the processor then uses this data, along with previous insulin and dextrose flow rates, to categorize the patient's current glucose situation. Based on this category, the system sends signals to a pump to precisely adjust the flow of insulin and dextrose into the patient's bloodstream, aiming to bring their glucose level back to a normal range (Claim 1). For example, if a patient's glucose is rising rapidly, the system might increase insulin delivery and decrease dextrose.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover systems that only monitor blood glucose without automatically adjusting medication delivery.
• —Does not cover systems that adjust blood chemistry other than glucose and osmolality, or use medications other than insulin, dextrose, and hypertonic saline.
• —Does not cover systems that rely solely on a single glucose reading without calculating a running average (Xa) and its rate of change (Xa vs Xb).
• —Does not cover systems that do not categorize the patient's glucose status based on the specific factors listed in Claim 1 (difference from normal range, rate of change, previous insulin/dextrose rates).
• —Does not cover manual adjustment of medication by medical personnel based on sensor readings.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in the system's ability to not just measure current glucose, but to continuously calculate a running average and, crucially, track the rate of change of that average. It then uses this dynamic information, along with previous medication rates, to assign the patient's status to specific categories, allowing for a highly nuanced and iterative adjustment of insulin and dextrose delivery.

Why it matters

Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is critical for patients in intensive care, during surgery, or after trauma, as uncontrolled levels can lead to severe complications. This patent addresses the challenge of providing precise, continuous glucose management, potentially improving patient outcomes by reducing the burden on medical staff and reacting faster than manual adjustments. Automated systems like this are foundational for modern critical care.

Real-world examples

• 1.Automated insulin delivery systems (artificial pancreas systems)
• 2.Hospital-based glucose management systems
• 3.Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) integrated with insulin pumps
• 4.Closed-loop control systems in critical care units