Medtronic, Inc. has launched a new technology designed to protect people with type 1 diabetes against the risks associated with hypoglycaemia.

The Paradigm Veo, now available across Europe, can automatically suspend insulin delivery when the device senses that glucose levels have fallen below a user-selected threshold.

A common occurrence in type 1 diabetes management, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can cause loss of consciousness, seizure, coma or even death. A third of diabetes patients suffer from hypoglycaemia while asleep.

"The Paradigm Veo is the biggest step thus far in our commitment to closing the loop on diabetes management," said Chris O'Connell, President of the Diabetes business and Senior Vice President at Medtronic. "We believe this automatic feature offers added protection, greater confidence and may lower the risk of injury associated with hypoglycaemic events."

The Paradigm Veo System includes an insulin pump with a continuous glucose monitoring system provided by a sensor and transmitter. The patient uses readings from the monitor to program the insulin pump. If data transmitted from the sensor show the patient's glucose levels have dropped below a defined threshold, the device alerts the patient. If the alerts are ignored, the device suspends insulin delivery.

"This latest technology is a significant breakthrough that will help people with diabetes to control their condition," said Prof. Dr. Tadej Battelino, head of the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology at Ljubljana's University Children's Hospital. "For the first time, a mechanical device can now warn the patient of the risk of severe hypoglycemia."

For more details, visit www.medtronic-diabetes.co.uk.

Paradigm Veo