Open-Source-Systeme zur automatisierten Insulinabgabe

Abstract

New developments and technological advancements in diabetes therapies are expected not only to improve metabolic outcomes of people with diabetes, but also to reduce the complexity of diabetes management and consequently their psychosocial burden. Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems—in which continuous glucose monitoring sensors and insulin pumps are linked to control algorithms that automate numerous dose decisions, mimicking the insulin secretion of an islet cell—represent an important new therapeutic approach. Because the development and approval of new therapies is costly and time-consuming, people with diabetes and their loved ones have taken action themselves. Behind the hashtag #WeAreNotWaiting is a community developing open-source AID systems for use with currently available medical devices; the source code and instructions for use are made freely available worldwide. More than 10,000 children and adults are already using open-source AID systems, and studies have demonstrated their safety and efficacy, as well as their positive impact on the quality of life of users. Due to the unclear legal situation regarding the use of unapproved therapy methods at one’s own risk, an international consensus paper has been developed by the EU-funded OPEN project, which provides supportive information for health professionals in the therapy support of “loopers”. In addition to the current state of studies, this article discusses what can be learned from the #WeAreNotWaiting movement and how we can achieve the common goal of making healthcare innovations accessible to as many patients as possible in the future.