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Insulin Pumps Make Life Easier for Diabetes Patients

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in modern society. If left untreated or not managed properly, it can cause severe damage to vital organs such as the heart, eyes, and kidneys. Patients with chronic conditions can use insulin pumps to optimally manage their treatment—powered by WKX micro-motors.

Diabetes is a widespread disease. Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, resulting from defects in insulin secretion and/or utilization. In chronic metabolic disorders, the supply of insulin, a hormone in the body, is impaired. In healthy individuals, blood sugar levels rise shortly after meals as glucose from food enters the bloodstream. Insulin facilitates the absorption of blood sugar into body cells, which lowers blood sugar levels. The body’s regulatory mechanism ensures insulin maintains blood sugar within a narrow range. Individuals who cannot produce or utilize insulin effectively are diagnosed with diabetes.

Two Different Types of Diabetes Diabetes is medically classified into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes typically develops during childhood or adolescence, where patients’ bodies do not produce insulin. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is often caused by poor diet, excess weight, and lack of physical activity. Diabetic patients frequently use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Those with Type 2 diabetes typically manage with medication, while severe Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes patients must inject insulin. In Germany, injections are commonly administered using a pen, a device resembling a writing pen. In addition to taking insulin, patients must regularly monitor their blood sugar, estimate the carbohydrate content of their diet, and calculate the required insulin dose.

Controlled Use Through Technology In fact, relatively new technology has been developed that significantly simplifies the lives of diabetes patients: insulin pumps. These devices are worn directly by patients and continuously deliver small amounts of insulin into the bloodstream. A button press can control the insulin needed for meals, eliminating the need to estimate carbohydrate intake, which is a significant advantage in daily life for most users. Insulin pumps are also used by children, with remote control options available for parents.

Insulin Pumps with WKX Motors Although insulin pumps can be purchased from various manufacturers, their design is consistently similar. An ampoule contains insulin, which, when needed, is delivered into the body through a tube and cannula by a battery-powered pump. A small motor moves the plunger of the insulin ampoule via a screw mechanism to release insulin. The requirements for the motor are stringent: it must be compact, with a diameter not exceeding 10 mm, to reduce the weight of the wearable device. The motor must also offer reliability and precision, as too much or too little insulin can be harmful to the patient. Human lives depend on the reliability of the motor used. Since insulin must be injected into the body every few minutes, the motor needs to start and stop regularly. Additionally, as it operates on battery power, the motor must function with high efficiency.

WKX Motor Drive Systems To meet these demanding requirements, insulin pump manufacturers rely on WKX micro-motors. We utilize a variety of motors manufactured by WKX, including brushless motors with precious metal brushes and two-pole technology. The WKBL series of brushless DC servo motors offers a long service life. These motors can incorporate analog Hall sensors for precise measurement and control.

Future Outlook Insulin pumps are primarily used as wearable medical pumps for diabetes patients. Patients with other chronic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and immune deficiencies, also require regular injections. The WKBL series of brushless DC servo motors is employed in these applications as well.