Medtronic receives Health Canada licence for insulin pump

Medtronic Canada has received a licence from Health Canada for its MiniMed 780G system for people living with type 1 diabetes. This system with advanced hybrid closed loop is the first and only insulin pump system in Canada that can automatically adjust and correct sugars every 5 minutes.  The unit is designed to help avoid highs and lows thanks to the firm’s advanced SmartGuard technology.

“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.”

Medtronic Canada has received a licence from Health Canada for its MiniMed 780G system for people living with type 1 diabetes. Source: Medtronic Canada

The advanced SmartGuard technology enables users to personalize glucose goals with an adjustable target setting as low as 5.5 mmol/L — lower than any other advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) system — and is designed to help stabilize blood sugar levels to further help improve glucose control. This system can also significantly reduce the need for injections — up to 96% for those using insulin pens alone.[ii]

“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.”

Bluetooth connectivity – compatible iOS and Android smartphones

The MiniMed 780G system is designed to require less input from the user, simplifying day to day interactions with the pump. With its Bluetooth connectivity, the system allows users and their care partners to see real-time glucose data and trends using apps on compatible iOS and Android smartphones.

According to the most recent data from the ADAPT study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, the MiniMed system showed significant improvement across all glycemic metrics compared to the standard of care. This supports the use at early stages in the management pathway given the potential benefits of complication avoidance, and quality of life improvements.

“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.