Preclinically assessed optimal control of postprandial glucose excursions for type 1 patients with diabetes

Type 1 Patients with Diabetes (Type 1 PwDs) have to frequently adjust their insulin dosage to keep their Blood Glucose concentration (BG) within normal bounds. Meal intakes represent the most important disturbance that has to be accounted for. Its effect differs for every individual as well as for every meal. These specificities are automatically taken into account in the approach proposed in this paper. Model parameters are identified for every couple (Patient, Meal) of interest and optimal control is applied to generate individualized meal specific insulin profiles. The method does not require the use of a continuous BG meter, the profiles being infused in an open-loop manner. Results from a preliminary clinical study are presented. The concept is shown to be effective, despite limitations due to the aggressive execution chosen. Improvements are proposed and a possible practical implementation is described.