One of the more controversial topics the diabetes community has been discussing in recent times has been the Artificial Pancreas Project. It is an exciting discussion for many, because some are calling it the next big step in terms of treatments, with the potential to change the way diabetics live their lives.
However, many also have concerns over the technology, and more importantly realize that it is not a cure by the JDCA standards – people on the APP will still require insulin and be bound by many of the constrains of type 1 diabetes. The danger is that despite this acknowledgment, some may see it as “the closest we will ever get to a cure,” which will certainly not benefit the cause many of us are dedicated to. Regardless of how the APP turns out, our efforts and focus must continue to be on a real, Practical Cure for type 1 within out lifetime.
As we wanted to engage with the diabetes community on this issue, we put up a survey about people’s feelings about the APP – and here are the results we received:
Question 1: Are you aware of the APP?
§ Yes (81%)
§ No (18%)
§ Yes and No (1%)
Question 2: Are you familiar with the way the APP works?
§ Yes (63%)
§ No (36%)
§ No response (1%)
Question 3: Do you considered the APP to be a potential cure for type 1?
§ Yes (20%)
§ No (77%)
§ Both (1%)
§ Omit (2%)
Question 4: If no, check all that apply
§ 26% Still requires glucose monitoring
§ 17% Unproven technology
§ 32% Person is still insulin dependent
§ 11% Other (filled in own response)
§ 13% people did not respond
Question 5: If no, does your definition exclude biomechanical devices?
§ Yes (51%)
§ No (31%)
§ Did not respond (18%)
Question 6: If you donate to a diabetes charity, are any of your type 1 donations directed specifically to the APP?
§ Yes (13%)
§ No (67%)
§ I do not donate (19%)
§ Omitted (1%)
As the survey shows, a basic disconnect we can point to is that most people do not consider the APP to be a cure, and most who give money towards diabetes charities are not doing so specifically for the APP. Yet, most diabetes fundraisers are geared around the search for a cure. This is what they receive money for – and if they were to use that money more towards a Practical Cure , we at the JDCA are confident we would be much closer towards discovering one.
-Stoyan
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