Similarly, SC glucose sensors which have become part of some integrated CSII systems rely on the difference between SC glucose and BG being proportional to the rate of change taking

place in BG;9 this time lag limits the sensitivity of continuous glucose monitors to detect hypoglycaemia; algorithms can be produced to mitigate this where there are sufficient data from sequential readings to give the BG/time gradient. Intraperitoneal insulin infusion offers a more physiological route for insulin delivery Panobinostat cost devices, producing greater porto-systemic and hepatic insulin gradients, and controls hepatic glucose metabolism more efficiently. Recent research10,11 in our laboratory has focused on producing an implantable insulin delivery device (INSmart) which would deliver insulin to the peritoneum in an automated fashion linked to changing glucose levels (Figures 1a and b). INSmart delivers insulin via a glucose-sensitive gel which acts as

both a sensor see more and controller of the amount of insulin released (Figure 1c). The glucose-sensitive gel comprises polymerised derivatives of dextran and a glucose-sensitive lectin, concanavalin A. The highly viscous gel that forms due to the equilibrium binding between the dextran and the lectin binding sites impedes insulin release. This changes in the presence of glucose as the binding sites are disrupted resulting in a reduction in the viscosity of the gel that facilitates insulin very release. This process is both reversible and repeatable, being sensitive to the changes in glucose levels that occur in the peritoneal cavity. The gel layer is therefore both the sensor and the delivery port in this design and contains no electronics or moving parts. The benefits of an INSmart device for the treatment of diabetes are that it could provide automated control preventing hypoglycaemia and also the long-term harm from hyperglycaemia. However,

the associated risks from an implantable device could arise from surgery, leakage of the insulin reservoir and infection. A prototype design was used to demonstrate the feasibility of this novel approach by restoring normoglycaemia in diabetic rats12 and pigs13 for up to five weeks but would require some redesign to provide it with biocompatibility, reliability and security to be optimal for clinical use. In designing a clinically-testable prototype it is important to understand the needs of the market, i.e. potential users, and to assess their reaction to it. To gain these insights it was decided to conduct a survey of current users of CSII. We surveyed CSII users to determine their current approach to glucose management and their appreciation of its importance, and to understand the practical difficulties of achieving desired control with their current pump therapy.