U.S. patent application number 11/971351 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-09 for insulin pump with add-on modules.
This patent application is currently assigned to Smiths Medical MD, Inc. Invention is credited to Michael Blomquist, Timothy Bresina, Gail Beth Bynum, William Van Dyke, Michael Welsch.
Application Number | 20090177142 11/971351 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40845153 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090177142 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blomquist; Michael ; et
al. |
July 9, 2009 |
INSULIN PUMP WITH ADD-ON MODULES
Abstract
This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus
comprising a pump configured to deliver insulin, a wireless
communication port, a controller, and a housing to enclose the
apparatus. The controller is configured to communicate with a
second device via the communication port using an open standard
wireless communication protocol. The housing includes a mechanical
coupling to slidably engage the second device which includes a
second wireless communication port. Slidably engaging the second
device positions the first and second communication ports opposite
each other to allow communication via the first and second
communication ports when slidably engaged.
Inventors: |
Blomquist; Michael; (Blaine,
MN) ; Bresina; Timothy; (Shoreview, MN) ;
Dyke; William Van; (Inver Grove Heights, MN) ; Bynum;
Gail Beth; (Brooklyn Park, MN) ; Welsch; Michael;
(Stillwater, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
Smiths Medical MD, Inc
St Paul
MN
|
Family ID: |
40845153 |
Appl. No.: |
11/971351 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/66 ; 320/137;
320/162; 340/573.1; 604/151; 604/67; 700/94; 715/716 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2005/14208
20130101; A61M 5/142 20130101; G08B 21/24 20130101; A61M 5/1413
20130101; A61M 2205/3569 20130101; A61M 2230/201 20130101; A61M
2205/502 20130101; A61M 2205/3592 20130101; A61M 5/1723 20130101;
A61M 5/14244 20130101; A61M 2209/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/66 ; 604/151;
604/67; 340/573.1; 700/94; 715/716; 320/137; 320/162 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00; G08B 23/00 20060101 G08B023/00; G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00; G06F 3/048 20060101 G06F003/048; H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a pump configured to deliver insulin; a
wireless communication port; a controller communicatively coupled
to the pump and the communication port, wherein the controller is
configured to communicate with a second device via the
communication port using an open standard wireless communication
protocol; and a housing to enclose the apparatus, wherein the
housing includes a mechanical coupling to slidably engage the
second device which includes a second wireless communication port,
and wherein slidably engaging the second device positions the first
and second communication ports opposite each other to allow
communication via the first and second communication ports when
slidably engaged.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mechanical coupling
includes a locking mechanism to lock the second device in the
slidably engaged position, and wherein the second device includes a
release mechanism to release the second device from the slidably
engaged position.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication port is an
infrared communication port.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication port is a
radio communication port.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second device includes at
least one of a glucose monitor, a glycosylated hemoglobin
(Hb.sub.Alc) tester, an activity monitor, or a blood ketone
tester.
6. A method of expanding functional capability of a device that
includes an insulin pump, the method comprising: positioning a
mechanical coupling on a housing that encloses the insulin pump
device, wherein the mechanical coupling slidably engages a second
device; positioning a first wireless communication port in relation
to the mechanical coupling such that, when the second device is in
a slidably engaged position, the first wireless communication port
is positioned opposite a second wireless communication port of the
second device; and communicating with the second device via the
first and second communication ports using an open standard
wireless communication protocol.
7. The method of claim 6 including: slidably engaging the second
device until a locking mechanism included in the mechanical
coupling locks the second apparatus in the slidably engaged
position; and detaching the second device from the slidably engaged
position using a release mechanism.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein positioning a wireless
communication port includes positioning an infrared communication
port.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein positioning a wireless
communication port includes positioning a radio communication
port.
10. The method of claim 6, communicating with the second device
includes communicating with at least one of a glucose monitor, an
Hb.sub.Alc tester, an activity monitor, or a blood ketone
tester.
11. An apparatus comprising: a pump configured to deliver insulin;
an input; and a controller communicatively coupled to the pump and
the input, wherein the controller is configured to receive
information related to activity of a user of the apparatus via the
input, wherein the controller includes an insulin calculation
module to calculate a change in insulin therapy according to the
activity information, and wherein the controller is configured to
initiate the delivery of insulin.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, including a user interface
communicatively coupled to the input, wherein the information
related to exercise is received via the user interface, wherein the
insulin calculation module is configured to: calculate, using the
exercise information, an amount of carbohydrates metabolized by the
exercise; and reduce insulin in at least one of an insulin meal
bolus or a correction insulin bolus by an amount that covers the
metabolized amount of carbohydrates.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, including a user interface
communicatively coupled to the input, wherein the information
related to exercise is received via the user interface, wherein the
insulin calculation module is configured to: calculate, using the
exercise information, an amount of carbohydrates metabolized by the
exercise; and and temporarily reduce a basal insulin rate pattern
by an amount that covers the metabolized amount of
carbohydrates.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, including: a user interface
communicatively coupled to the input; and a display communicatively
coupled to the controller, wherein the information related to
exercise is received via the user interface, wherein the insulin
calculation module is configured to: calculate, using the exercise
information, an amount of carbohydrates metabolized by the
exercise; and recommend, via the display, that the user consume the
calculated amount of carbohydrates.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, including: a memory communicatively
coupled to the controller and configured to store an exercise
regimen; a user interface communicatively coupled to the controller
and configured to receive an indication that the user will exercise
according to the exercise regimen; and a display communicatively
coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to
present on the display an exercise insulin delivery pattern
corresponding to the exercise regimen, and to receive, via the user
interface, at least one of a selection of the exercise insulin
delivery pattern into the device or a modification to the exercise
insulin delivery pattern into the device.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, including an activity sensor
communicatively coupled to the input, to provide an activity sensor
signal, wherein the activity sensor signal is an electrical signal
representative of patient activity.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, including: a second input, wherein
the controller is configured to receive information related to
blood glucose into the insulin pump device via the second input;
and a display, wherein the controller is configured to display
activity information in association with the blood glucose
information on the insulin pump device.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, including a blood glucose monitor
communicatively coupled to the second input.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured
to display an indication of a period of high blood glucose level, a
period of low blood glucose level, or both periods of high and low
blood glucose levels together with an indication of activity
level.
20. The apparatus of claim 16 including: a memory to store a basal
insulin rate pattern and an indicated activity level corresponding
to the basal insulin rate pattern; and a display; wherein the
controller includes an activity module configured to determine,
using the activity sensor signal, an actual activity level of the
patient during delivery of the basal insulin rate pattern, and
wherein the controller is configured to display an indication when
the actual activity level deviates from the indicated activity
level and display a recommended change to the basal rate
pattern.
21. The apparatus of claim of claim 16, including: a display, and
wherein the controller includes: an activity module configured to:
establish a baseline level of patient activity for a period of
time; determine an actual level of patient activity during the
period using the activity sensor signal; and compare the actual
level of patient activity to the baseline level; and an insulin
calculation module configured to: calculate and display an amount
of carbohydrates for the patient to consume when the actual level
of patient activity exceeds the baseline level by a threshold
value; and prompt the user, via the display, to initiate blood
glucose tests more frequently when the actual level of patient
activity is less than the baseline level by the same or a different
threshold value.
22. The apparatus of claim 16, including a memory to store a basal
rate pattern in association with a patient activity level; wherein
the controller includes an activity module configured to determine
a level of patient activity using the activity sensor signal, and
wherein the controller is configured to activate the exercise basal
rate pattern according to the level of patient activity.
23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the controller includes an
activity module configured to determine that the activity signal
exceeds a signal threshold value associated with the insulin pump
device undergoing an impact, and wherein the controller is
configured to display a recommendation to check the insulin pump
device, an insulin cartridge, or both the insulin pump device and
insulin cartridge for damage.
24. A method comprising: receiving information related to activity
of a user into a device that includes an insulin pump; determining
a change in insulin therapy according to the activity information;
and delivering the insulin using the insulin pump device.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein receiving information related
to activity includes receiving information related to exercise of
the user, wherein determining a change in insulin therapy includes:
calculating an amount of carbohydrates metabolized by the exercise;
and reducing an amount of insulin in at least one of a meal bolus
or a correction bolus by an amount of insulin that covers the
calculated metabolized amount of carbohydrates.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein receiving information related
to activity includes receiving information related to exercise of
the user, wherein determining a change in insulin therapy includes:
calculating an amount of carbohydrates metabolized by the exercise;
and temporarily reducing a basal insulin rate pattern by an amount
of insulin that covers the calculated metabolized amount of
carbohydrates.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein receiving information related
to activity includes: receiving an exercise regimen into the
device; and receiving an indication that a user will exercise
according to the exercise regimen, and wherein determining a change
in the delivery of insulin includes: presenting an exercise insulin
delivery pattern corresponding to the exercise regimen to the user;
and receiving at least one of a selection of the exercise insulin
delivery pattern into the device or a modification to the exercise
insulin delivery pattern into the device.
28. The method of claim 24, wherein receiving information related
to activity includes receiving an activity signal from an activity
sensor included in the insulin pump device, wherein the activity
signal is an electrical signal representative of patient
activity.
29. The method of claim 28, including: receiving information
related to blood glucose into the insulin pump device; and
displaying activity information in association with the blood
glucose information on the insulin pump device.
30. The method of claim 29, including indicating a period of high
blood glucose level, a period of low blood glucose level, or both
periods of high and low blood glucose levels on the display
together with an indication of activity level.
31. The method of claim 28, including: receiving a basal insulin
rate pattern and an indicated activity level corresponding to the
basal insulin rate pattern into the insulin pump device;
determining an actual activity level for the patient using the
activity signal during delivery of the basal insulin rate pattern;
and displaying an indication when the actual activity level
deviates from the indicated activity level and displaying a
recommended change to the basal rate pattern.
32. The method of claim 28, including: establishing a baseline
level of patient activity for a period of time; determining an
actual level of patient activity during the period using the
activity signal; comparing the actual level of patient activity to
the baseline level; and displaying, according to the comparison,
one of an amount of carbohydrates for the patient to consume, or a
prompt to the user to test blood glucose more frequently.
33. The method of claim 32, including calculating an amount of
insulin in a correction bolus when the actual level of patient
exercise is less than the baseline level by more than a threshold
value.
34. The method of claim 28, including: determining an exercise
basal insulin rate pattern, wherein the exercise basal insulin rate
pattern is to be used during user exercise; determining a level of
patient activity using the activity signal; and activating the
exercise basal rate pattern according to the level of patient
activity indicated by the activity signal.
35. The method of claim 28, including: determining that the
activity signal exceeds a signal threshold value associated with
the insulin pump device undergoing an impact; and displaying a
recommendation to check the insulin pump device, an insulin
cartridge, or both the insulin pump device and insulin cartridge
for damage.
36. A method comprising: receiving information related to activity
of a user into a device that includes an insulin pump; calculating,
using the activity information, an amount of carbohydrates
metabolized by the exercise; and presenting a recommendation to the
user to consume the calculated amount of carbohydrates.
37. A apparatus comprising: a memory configured to store a file of
compressed audio data; a communication port; an audio port; and a
processor communicatively coupled to the memory, the audio port,
and the communication port, wherein the processor is configured to
communicate, via the communication port, with a second device that
includes a pump configured to deliver insulin, and further
configured to receive a command from the second device and to play
the compressed audio data file via the audio port in accordance
with the command.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the compressed audio file
communicates an alert concerning the second device when played.
39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the compressed audio file
communicates a status of the second device when played.
40. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the processor is configured
to receive the file of compressed audio data from the second device
via the communication port.
41. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the communication port is a
wireless communication port.
42. An apparatus comprising: a pump configured to deliver insulin;
a communication port; and a controller communicatively coupled to
the pump and the communication port; wherein the controller is
configured to communicate, via the communication port, with a
second device that includes a memory configured to store a file of
compressed audio data, and further configured to transmit a command
to the second device to cause the second device to play the
compressed audio data file.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the controller is configured
to transmit a file of compressed audio data to the second device
via the communication port.
44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the compressed audio file
communicates an alert concerning insulin pump therapy when played
by the second device.
45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the communication port is a
wireless communication port.
46. The apparatus of claim 42, including a user interface
communicatively coupled to the controller and including a display,
wherein the controller is configured to: display a menu on the user
interface that includes a plurality of audio files to be played on
the second device; and communicate a selected audio file option to
the second device.
47. A system comprising: a first device including: a pump
configured to deliver insulin; a first communication port; and a
controller communicatively coupled to the pump and the
communication port; and a second device including a memory
configured to store a file of compressed audio data; a second
communication port; and a processor communicatively coupled to the
memory, and the communication port, wherein the processor is
configured to receive, via the second communication port, a command
from the first device and to play the compressed audio data file in
accordance with the command.
48. The system of claim 47, wherein the controller of the first
device is configured to transmit a file of compressed audio data to
the second device via the first communication port.
49. The system of claim 47, wherein the first device includes a
user interface communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein
the user interface includes a display, and wherein the controller
is configured to: display a menu on the first device that includes
audio file selections playable using the second device; and
communicate an audio file selection to the second device, and
wherein the processor of the second device is configured to play
the selected audio file.
50. The system of claim 48, wherein the first and second
communication ports are wireless ports.
51. The system of claim 50, wherein the second device includes a
housing that includes a belt clip.
52. A method comprising: communicating information between a first
device that includes an insulin pump and a second device that
includes a memory to store a plurality of compressed audio data
files, wherein the communicating includes communicating a command
from the first device to the second device to cause the second
device, when the command is received, to play a compressed audio
data file.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein communicating a message
includes communicating a message to cause the second device to play
a compressed audio data file that includes an alert concerning the
first device.
54. The method of claim 52, wherein communicating a message
includes communicating a message to cause the second device to play
a compressed audio data file that includes a status of the first
device.
55. The method of claim 52, including: displaying a menu on the
first device that includes audio file selections playable using the
first device; and communicating an audio file selection from the
second device to the first device.
56. The method of claim 52, wherein communicating information
includes communicating information wirelessly between the first
device and the second device.
57. An apparatus comprising: a pump configured to deliver insulin;
a detection circuit configured to detect when a cartridge of
insulin is installed in the apparatus; a temperature sensor that
produces an electrical temperature signal representative of
temperature; a display; and a controller communicatively coupled to
the pump, the detection circuit, and the temperature sensor,
wherein the controller includes a comparison module configured to
detect that the temperature exceeds a first temperature threshold
value while the insulin cartridge is installed, and wherein the
controller is configured to display a warning when the temperature
exceeds the first temperature threshold value.
58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the controller is configured
to display a warning that insulin has been exposed to a high
temperature.
59. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the temperature sensor is
configured to monitor a temperature of the insulin cartridge,
wherein the comparison module is configured to detect that the
temperature is below a second lower temperature threshold value,
and wherein the controller is configured to display a warning to
check the insulin cartridge.
60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the comparison module is
configured to detect that the temperature of the insulin cartridge
rises from below the second temperature threshold to above the
first temperature threshold, and wherein the controller is
configured to display a recommendation that the user check for
bubbles in the insulin cartridge.
61. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the comparison module is
configured to detect that the temperature is less than a second
lower temperature threshold value while the insulin cartridge is
installed, and wherein the controller is configured to display a
warning that insulin has been exposed to a low temperature.
62. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the controller is configured
to display a recommendation that the user initiate more frequent
blood glucose readings.
63. The apparatus of claim 57, including a timer circuit, wherein
the comparison module is configured to: measure the temperature
using the temperature signal; measure a duration of time that the
measured temperature exceeds a threshold temperature value;
determine a product of the measured time duration and the measured
temperature; and detect when the product of the measured time
duration and temperature exceed a product threshold value; and
wherein the controller is configured to display a warning when the
product of measured time and temperature exceeds the product
threshold value.
64. A method comprising: monitoring temperature using a device that
includes an insulin pump; determining that a cartridge of insulin
has been installed in the device; detecting that the temperature
exceeds a first temperature threshold value while the insulin
cartridge is installed; and displaying a warning when the
temperature exceeds the first temperature threshold value.
65. The method of claim 64, including displaying a warning that
insulin has been exposed to a high temperature.
66. The method of claim 64, wherein monitoring temperature includes
monitoring temperature of the insulin cartridge, wherein the method
includes detecting that the insulin cartridge is below a second
lower temperature threshold value when installed; and wherein
displaying a warning includes displaying a warning to check the
insulin cartridge.
67. The method of claim 66, including: determining that a
temperature of the insulin cartridge rises from below the second
temperature threshold to above the first temperature threshold, and
wherein displaying a warning when the temperature exceeds the first
temperature threshold value includes displaying a recommendation
that the user check for bubbles in the insulin cartridge.
68. The method of claim 64, including detecting that the
temperature is less than a second lower temperature threshold value
while the insulin cartridge is installed; and displaying a warning
that insulin has been exposed to a low temperature.
69. The method of claim 64, including displaying a recommendation
that the user initiate more frequent blood glucose readings.
70. The method of claim 64, wherein detecting that the temperature
exceeds a first temperature threshold value includes measuring the
temperature using the temperature signal, wherein the method
includes: measuring a time duration that the temperature exceeds
the first temperature threshold value; and calculating a product of
the measured temperature and the time duration; and wherein
displaying a warning includes displaying a warning when the product
of the measured time duration and temperature exceeds a threshold
product value.
71. An apparatus comprising: a pump configured to deliver insulin;
a communication port; and a controller communicatively coupled to
the pump and the communication port, wherein the controller is
configured to receive, from a second device via the communication
port, nutrient content of a food selection of a user into the
insulin pump device, and wherein the controller includes an insulin
calculation module, configured to determine, using the nutrient
content, an amount of insulin to deliver.
72. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the insulin calculation
module is configured to determining an amount of insulin in a meal
bolus using the nutrient content.
73. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the insulin calculation
module is configured to determine, using the nutrient content,
whether to include an extended bolus in the meal bolus.
74. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the communication port is a
wireless port and includes at least one of an infrared (IR)
communication port or a radio frequency (RF) communication
port.
75. An apparatus comprising: a pump configured to deliver insulin;
a memory to store a database of food options in association with a
known amount of nutrient content; a user interface configured to
receive a food selection from a user; a communication port; and a
controller communicatively coupled to the pump, the memory, the
user interface, and the communication port, wherein the controller
is configured to receive, via the communication port, a weight of
the food selected into the insulin pump device from a second
device, and wherein the controller includes: a nutrient calculation
module, configured to calculate an amount of nutrient content in
the food selection using the received weight; and an insulin
calculation module, configured to determine an amount of insulin to
deliver using the calculated amount.
76. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the communication port is a
wireless port and includes at least one of an infrared (IR)
communication port and a radio frequency (RF) communication
port.
77. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the insulin calculation
module is configured to determine an amount of insulin in a meal
bolus using the calculated amount of nutrient content.
78. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the insulin calculation
module is configured to determine a change to a type of meal bolus
using the calculated amount of nutrient content.
79. A method comprising: storing a database of food options in
association with a known nutrient content in a memory of a first
device that includes a weight scale; receiving a food selection of
a user of a second device into the first device, wherein the second
device includes an insulin pump; transmitting food information to
the second device using the first device, wherein the food
information includes an amount of nutrient content of the food; and
determining an amount of insulin to deliver by the second device
using the food information.
80. The method of claim 79, wherein determining an amount of
insulin includes determining an amount of insulin in a meal bolus
using the amount of nutrient content.
81. The method of claim 80, wherein determining an amount of
insulin includes determining a type of meal bolus using the amount
of nutrient content.
82. The method of claim 79, wherein transmitting food information
to the second device includes receiving the food information into
the second device via an infrared communication port.
83. The method of claim 79, wherein transmitting food information
to the second device includes receiving the food information into
the second device via a radio frequency (RF) communication
port.
84. A method comprising: storing a database of food options in
association with a known nutrient content in a memory of a device
that includes an insulin pump; receiving a food selection of a user
into the insulin pump device; receiving a weight of the food
selected into the insulin pump device from a second device;
calculating an amount of nutrient content in the food selection
using the received weight; and determining an amount of insulin to
deliver using the calculated amount.
85. The method of claim 84, wherein determining an amount of
insulin includes determining an amount of insulin in a meal
bolus.
86. The method of claim 84, wherein determining an amount of
insulin includes determining whether to include an extended bolus
in the meal bolus.
87. The method of claim 84, wherein receiving the weight of the
food includes receiving the weight into the second device via a
wireless communication port.
88. The method of claim 87, wherein receiving the weight into the
second device includes receiving the weight into the second device
via an infrared communication port.
89. The method of claim 87, wherein receiving the weight into the
second device includes receiving the weight into the second device
via a radio frequency (RF) communication port.
90. An apparatus comprising: a pump configured to deliver insulin;
a communication port; and a controller communicatively coupled to
the pump and the communication port; wherein the controller is
configured to communicate information, via the communication port,
with a second device that implements an interactive calendar,
wherein the information includes a calendar event of a user, and
wherein the controller is further configured to alter operation of
the apparatus according to the communicated calendar event.
91. The apparatus of claim 90, wherein the communicated calendar
event includes a meal time, and wherein the controller is
configured to: schedule a missed meal bolus alarm in a time
relation to the meal time; and generate a missed meal bolus alarm
if the user fails to initiate a meal bolus.
92. The apparatus of claim 90, wherein the communicated calendar
event includes an exercise time, and wherein the controller is
configured to change a delivery of insulin in relation to the
communicated exercise time.
93. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the controller is configured
to: calculate an amount of carbohydrates metabolized by the
exercise; and reduce an amount of insulin to be delivered by an
amount that covers the metabolized carbohydrates.
94. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the controller is configured
to change delivery of insulin according to an exercise basal rate
pattern in relation to the communicated exercise time.
95. The apparatus of claim 90, including an audible indicator and a
vibration mechanism communicatively coupled to the controller,
wherein the communicated calendar event includes a meeting time,
and wherein the controller includes an alarm module configured to
switch an alarm mode of the first device between an audible mode
and a vibratory mode according to the communicated meeting
time.
96. An apparatus comprising: a memory configured to store calendar
events of a user; a user interface including a display, wherein the
user interface is configured to receive a calendar event into the
device and to display the calendar event; a communication port; and
a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, the user
interface and the communication port, wherein the processor is
configured to communicate information, via the communication port,
with a second device that includes a pump configured to deliver
insulin, wherein the information includes the calendar event.
97. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the calendar event includes
a meal time of the user.
98. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the calendar event includes
an exercise time of the user.
99. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the calendar event includes
a meeting time of the user.
100. A system comprising: a first device including: a pump
configured to deliver insulin; a first communication port; and a
controller communicatively coupled to the pump and the
communication port; and a second device including: a memory
configured to store a plurality of calendar events of a user; a
user interface including a display, wherein the user interface is
configured to receive a calendar event into the second device and
to display the calendar event; a second communication port; and a
processor communicatively coupled to the memory, the user interface
and the communication port, wherein the processor is configured to
communicate information, via the second communication port, to the
first device, wherein the information includes a calendar event of
a user, and wherein the controller of the first device is
configured to alter operation of the first device according to the
communicated calendar event.
101. The system of claim 100, wherein the communicated calendar
event includes a meal time, entered into the second device via the
user interface, and wherein the controller of the first device is
configured to: schedule a missed meal bolus alarm in a time
relation to the meal time; and generate a missed meal bolus alarm
if the user fails to initiate a meal bolus.
102. The system of claim 100, wherein the communicated calendar
event includes an exercise time, entered into the second device via
the user interface, and wherein the controller of the first device
is configured to change a delivery of insulin in relation to the
communicated exercise time.
103. The system of claim 100, wherein the first device includes an
audible indicator and a mechanical vibration mechanism
communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the communicated
calendar event includes a meeting time, and wherein the controller
of the first device includes an alarm module configured to switch
an alarm mode of the first device between an audible mode and a
vibratory mode according to the meeting time.
104. The system of claim 100, wherein the first device includes a
memory communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the
memory includes an insulin therapy event log memory area, and
wherein the controller is configured to store an event related to
insulin therapy in association with the communicated calendar event
as a log entry in the insulin therapy event log memory area.
105. A method comprising: communicating information between a first
device that includes an insulin pump and a second device that
includes an interactive calendar, wherein the information includes
a calendar event of a user of the first device entered into the
interactive calendar of the second device; and altering operation
of the first device according to the communicated calendar
event.
106. The method of claim 105, wherein communicating the information
includes communicating a meal time, entered into the interactive
calendar of the second device, to the first device, and wherein
altering operation of the first device includes scheduling a missed
meal bolus alarm in the first device in a time relation to the
communicated meal time.
107. The method of claim 105, wherein communicating the information
includes communicating an exercise time into the interactive
calendar of the second device, to the first device, and wherein
altering operation of the first device includes changing a delivery
of insulin in relation to the communicated exercise time.
108. The method of claim 107, wherein changing a delivery of
insulin includes: calculating an amount of carbohydrates
metabolized by the exercise; and reducing an amount of insulin to
be delivered by an amount that covers the metabolized
carbohydrates.
109. The method of claim 107, wherein changing a delivery of
insulin includes activating an exercise basal rate pattern
according to the communicated exercise time.
110. The method of claim 105, wherein communicating the information
includes communicating a meeting time, entered into the interactive
calendar of the second device, to the first device, and wherein
altering operation of the first device includes switching an alarm
of the first device between an audible mode and a vibratory mode
according to the meeting time.
111. An apparatus comprising: a pump configured to deliver insulin;
an acoustic transducer configured to receive acoustic energy and
generate an electrical transducer signal representative of the
acoustic energy; a sampling circuit, communicatively coupled to the
acoustic transducer, configured to produce digitized samples of the
electrical transducer signal; a speech recognition circuit,
communicatively coupled to the sampling circuit, configured to
derive a command from the digitized samples; and a controller,
communicatively coupled to the speech recognition circuit and the
pump, configured to alter operation of the device according to the
derived command.
112. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the speech recognition
circuit is configured to derive a command to deliver at least one
of a correction bolus, or a meal bolus, and wherein the controller
is configured to initiate delivery of the bolus according to the
command.
113. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the speech recognition
circuit is configured to derive a command to change a basal insulin
rate pattern.
114. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the speech recognition
circuit is configured to derive a command to run a device test, and
wherein the controller is configured to initiate the test according
to the command.
115. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the speech recognition
circuit is configured to derive a command to run at least one of a
carbohydrate ratio test, a correction factor test, or a basal rate
test, and wherein the controller is configured to initiate the
test.
116. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the speech recognition
circuit is configured to derive a command to change an operating
parameter of the device, and wherein the controller is configured
to update the parameter in a memory of the device.
117. The apparatus of claim 116, wherein the speech recognition
circuit is configured to derive a command to change at least one of
a correction factor, or a carbohydrate ratio.
118. The apparatus of claim 111, including a user interface
communicatively coupled to the controller, and wherein the
controller is configured deactivate processing of audio signals
until an activation signal is received via the user interface.
119. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the speech recognition
circuit is configured to derive a message corresponding to a spoken
password from the digitized samples, and wherein the controller is
configured deactivate altering operation of the device according to
a derived command until the message is derived.
120. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the speech recognition
circuit is configured to derive a command to deactivate insulin
pump therapy provided by the pump.
121. The apparatus of claim 111, including a vibration mechanism
communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the speech
recognition circuit is configured to generate an indication when
ambient noise prevents speech recognition from the digitized
samples, and wherein the controller is configured to provide a
vibratory alert using the vibration mechanism upon receiving the
indication from the speech recognition circuit.
122. The apparatus of claim 111, including a speaker verification
circuit, communicatively coupled to the sampling circuit and the
controller, configured to verify that the digitized samples
correlate to a user's voice.
123. The apparatus of claim 111, including: a memory configured to
store a file of compressed audio data; and an audio port, wherein
the memory and the audio port are communicatively coupled to the
controller, and wherein the controller is configured to play the
compressed audio data file via the audio port.
124. A method comprising: receiving acoustic energy into a device
that includes an insulin pump; generating an electrical audio
signal using the received acoustic energy; deriving a command from
the electrical audio signal; and altering operation of the insulin
pump device according to the derived command.
125. The method of claim 124, wherein deriving the command includes
deriving a command to deliver at least one of a correction bolus,
or a meal bolus.
126. The method of claim 124, wherein deriving the command includes
deriving a command to change a basal insulin rate pattern.
127. The method of claim 124, wherein deriving the command includes
deriving a command to run a device test.
128. The method of claim 127, wherein deriving a command to run a
device test includes deriving a command to run at least one of a
carbohydrate ratio test, a correction factor test, or a basal rate
test.
129. The method of claim 124, wherein deriving the command includes
deriving a command to change an operating parameter of the
device.
130. The method of claim 129, wherein deriving a command to change
an operating parameter of the device includes deriving a command to
change at least one of a correction factor, or a carbohydrate
ratio.
131. The method of claim 124, including deactivating processing of
audio signals until an activation signal is received into the
device via a user interface.
132. The method of claim 124, including deactivating the altering
operation of the insulin pump according to a derived command until
a message corresponding to a spoken password is derived.
133. The method of claim 124, wherein deriving a command to change
an operating parameter of the device includes deriving a command to
deactivate insulin pump therapy provided by the pump.
134. The method of claim 124, including providing a vibratory alert
when ambient noise prevents deriving a command from the electrical
audio signal.
135. The method of claim 124, including verifying that the
electrical audio signal was generated by a user's voice.
136. An apparatus comprising: a pump configured to deliver insulin;
a controller communicatively coupled to the pump and configured to
initiate delivery of insulin; a kinetic battery circuit, configured
to convert motion of a user to charge stored in a kinetic battery;
a primary battery circuit to provide energy to the apparatus from a
primary battery; a comparison circuit, communicatively coupled to
the kinetic battery circuit, configured to compare a charge on the
kinetic battery to a threshold charge value; and a switching
circuit communicatively coupled to the comparison circuit, the
kinetic battery circuit, and the primary battery circuit, wherein
the switching circuit is configured to: provide energy from the
kinetic battery circuit to at least a portion of the apparatus when
the charge on the kinetic battery exceeds the threshold; and
provide energy from the primary battery circuit to the portion of
the apparatus when the charge on the kinetic battery is less than
the threshold.
137. The apparatus of claim 136, including: a charge measurement
circuit communicatively coupled to the kinetic battery circuit and
configured to measure a level of charge on the kinetic battery; and
wherein the controller includes an activity detection module
configured to determine an activity level of the user from the
measured level of charge.
138. The apparatus of claim 137, wherein the charge measurement
circuit is configured to measure a rate of change of the charge on
the kinetic battery, and wherein the activity detection module is
configured to determine the activity level of the user using the
measured rate of change of the charge.
139. The apparatus of claim 137, wherein the controller includes an
insulin calculation module configured to calculate a change in a
delivery of insulin according to the activity level.
140. The apparatus of claim 139, wherein the insulin calculation
module is configured to calculate a reduction in an amount of
insulin in at least one of a correction bolus, a meal bolus, or a
basal insulin rate pattern according to the activity level.
141. The apparatus of claim 137, including: a memory,
communicatively coupled to the controller, to store an exercise
basal insulin rate pattern; and wherein the controller is
configured to activate the exercise basal rate pattern according to
the activity level.
142. The apparatus of claim 136, including a blood glucose sensor
circuit, wherein the switching circuit is configured provide energy
to the blood glucose sensor circuit from the kinetic battery when
the charge on the kinetic battery exceeds the threshold charge
value.
143. The apparatus of claim 136, including a temperature sensing
circuit, wherein the switching circuit is configured provide energy
to the temperature sensing circuit from the kinetic battery when
the charge on the kinetic battery exceeds the threshold charge
value.
144. The apparatus of claim 136, including a display, wherein the
switching circuit is configured provide energy to the display from
the kinetic battery when the charge on the kinetic battery exceeds
the threshold charge value.
145. A method comprising: using motion of a user of a device that
includes an insulin pump to charge a kinetic battery of the insulin
pump device; providing energy to a circuit of the insulin pump
device from the kinetic battery when the charge on the kinetic
battery exceeds a threshold charge value; and providing energy to
the circuit of the insulin pump from the primary battery when the
charge on the kinetic battery is less than the threshold charge
value.
146. The method of claim 145, including: measuring a level of
charge on the kinetic battery; and determining an activity level of
the user from the measured level of charge.
147. The method of claim 146, wherein measuring a level of charge
includes measuring a rate of change of the charge on the kinetic
battery, and wherein determining an activity level includes
determining the activity level of the user from the measured rate
of change of the charge.
148. The method of claim 146, including calculating a change in a
delivery of insulin according to the activity level.
149. The method of claim 148, wherein calculating a change in a
delivery of insulin includes calculating a reduction in an amount
of insulin in at least one of a correction bolus, a meal bolus, or
a basal insulin rate pattern according to the activity level.
150. The method of claim 146, including: receiving an exercise
basal insulin rate pattern into the insulin pump device; and
activating the exercise basal rate pattern according to the
activity level.
151. The method of claim 145, wherein providing energy to a circuit
of the insulin pump device from the kinetic battery includes
providing energy to a blood glucose sensing circuit of the insulin
pump device from the kinetic battery.
152. The method of claim 145, wherein providing energy to a circuit
of the insulin pump device from the kinetic battery includes
providing energy to a temperature sensing circuit of the insulin
pump device from the kinetic battery.
153. The method of claim 145, wherein providing energy to a circuit
of the insulin pump device from the kinetic battery includes
providing energy to a display circuit of the insulin pump device
from the kinetic battery.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] People who suffer from diabetes require insulin to keep
their blood glucose level as close as possible to normal levels. It
is essential for people with diabetes to manage their blood glucose
level to within a normal range. Complications from diabetes can
include heart disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness
(retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage
(nephropathy). Insulin is a hormone that reduces the level of blood
glucose in the body. Normally, insulin is produced by beta cells in
the pancreas. In non-diabetic people, the beta cells release
insulin to satisfy two types of insulin needs. The first type is a
low-level of background insulin that is released throughout the
day. The second type is a quick release of a higher-level of
insulin in response to eating. Insulin therapy replaces or
supplements insulin produced by the pancreas.
[0002] Conventional insulin therapy typically involves one or two
injections a day. The low number of injections has the disadvantage
of allowing larger variations in a person's insulin levels. Some
people with diabetes manage their blood glucose level with multiple
daily injections (MDI). MDI may involve more than three injections
a day and four or more blood glucose tests a day. MDI offers better
control than conventional therapy. However, insulin injections are
inconvenient and require a diabetic person to track the insulin
doses, the amount of carbohydrates eaten, and their blood glucose
levels among other information critical to control.
[0003] It is important for a diabetic person to be treated with the
proper amount of insulin. As discussed previously, high blood sugar
can lead to serious complications. Conversely, a person with low
blood sugar can develop hypoglycemia. Ideally, insulin therapy
mimics the way the body works. An insulin pump is one way to mimic
the body's insulin production. An insulin pump can provide a
background or basal infusion of insulin throughout the day and
provide a quick release or bolus of insulin when carbohydrates are
eaten. If a person develops high blood sugar, a correction bolus
can be delivered by the pump to correct it. While insulin pumps
improve convenience and flexibility for a diabetic person, they can
be sophisticated devices. It is desirable for an insulin pump to
have features that make the pump more convenient or more effective
for the patient to use.
Overview
[0004] This document discusses, among other things, devices and
methods for managing insulin therapy. A device example includes a
pump configured to deliver insulin, a wireless communication port,
a controller, and a housing to enclose the apparatus. The
controller is configured to communicate with a second device via
the communication port using an open standard wireless
communication protocol. The housing includes a mechanical coupling
to slidably engage the second device which includes a second
wireless communication port. Slidably engaging the second device
positions the first and second communication ports opposite each
other to allow communication via the first and second communication
ports when slidably engaged.
[0005] A method example includes positioning a mechanical coupling
on a housing that encloses the insulin pump device so that the
mechanical coupling slidably engages a second device, positioning a
first wireless communication port in relation to the mechanical
coupling such that, when the second device is in a slidably engaged
position, the first wireless communication port is positioned
opposite a second wireless communication port of the second device,
and communicating with the second device via the first and second
communication ports using an open standard wireless communication
protocol.
[0006] This section is intended to provide an overview of the
subject matter of the present patent application. It is not
intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the
invention. The detailed description is included to provide further
information about the subject matter of the present patent
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
like numerals may describe similar components in different views.
Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent
different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate
generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various
embodiments discussed in the present document.
[0008] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate portions of a device that
includes an insulin pump.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of portions of a system to provide
add-on features to an insulin pump device.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a mechanical coupling for
an add-on module.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method to
provide add-on features to an insulin pump device.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of method to
manage blood glucose of an insulin pump user in response to
activity.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of portions of an embodiment of a
device that helps a user manage their blood glucose in response to
activity.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of portions of another embodiment
of a device that helps a user manage their blood glucose in
response to activity.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows an example of a table that indexes an amount of
carbohydrates to an intensity and duration of exercise.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of portions of still another
embodiment of a device that helps a user manage their blood glucose
in response to activity.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of
assisting an insulin pump user in managing their diabetes.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of portions of an embodiment of a
system that includes compressed audio files to assist an insulin
pump user in managing their diabetes.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method to
monitor insulin temperature.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of portions of a device to
monitor temperature of insulin.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of
determining an amount of insulin to deliver in a bolus in response
to a pump user ingesting a meal.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device to
determine an amount of insulin in an insulin bolus using food
nutrient information.
[0023] FIG. 16 illustrates a graph of an example of a combination
bolus of insulin.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of another embodiment of a method
of automatically determining an amount of insulin to deliver in a
bolus.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a device
to automatically determine an amount of insulin in an insulin bolus
using food nutrient information.
[0026] FIG. 19 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method to
program an insulin pump device using an interactive calendar.
[0027] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of portions of an embodiment of a
system that includes an insulin pump device.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of
operating an insulin pump device.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of portions of an embodiment of a
device to provide voice control of insulin therapy.
[0030] FIG. 23 is block diagram of portions of an embodiment of a
device to provide insulin therapy.
[0031] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of
extending the battery life of an insulin pump.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Insulin pumps can be sophisticated devices. Additional pump
features may assist an insulin pump user in being more effective in
treating their diabetes. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate portions of a
device 100 that includes an insulin pump. The device 100 includes a
cassette or cartridge of insulin. The cartridge is connectable to
infusion tubing 140 connectable to a patient such as by a Luer lock
145 or infusion set 142. The device 100 includes a display 102 and
a user interface that may include the display 102 and include one
or more keys 104 in a keypad. Because it is important for an
insulin pump user to properly treat their diabetes using the pump,
it is desirable for a pump to have features that make the pump more
convenient or more effective to use. The features may be integral
to the device or may be provided by add-on modules.
Add-On Module
[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of portions of a system 200 to
provide add-on features to an insulin pump device to expand its
functional capability. The system 200 includes a first device 205
and a second device 210. The first device 205 includes a pump 215
configured to deliver insulin, a first wireless communication port
220, and a controller 225.
[0034] The pump 215 may be a positive displacement pump.
Descriptions of an example of a medication pump to deliver insulin
are found in Vilks et al., "Cartridge and Rod for Axially Loading a
Medication Pump," U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,338, filed Feb. 28, 2002,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The pump
215 may drive a plunger in a removable insulin cartridge to deliver
the insulin. The first wireless communication port 220 may be an
infrared (IR) communication port, or the first wireless
communication port 220 may be a radio communication port (e.g., a
radio frequency or RF port).
[0035] The controller 225 can be implemented using hardware
circuits, firmware, software or any combination of hardware,
firmware, and software. Examples, include a microcontroller, a
logical state machine, a field programmable gate array (FPGA),
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor
such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor, or other type
of processor. The controller 225 is configured to perform or
execute a function or functions. Such functions correspond to
modules to provide features integral to the first device. Modules
may be software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof.
Multiple functions may be performed in one or more modules. In some
embodiments, software or firmware is provided on a computer
readable medium. The computer readable medium includes instructions
therein, which when processed (such as by the controller 225 for
example) results in a device performing the functions described
herein. Examples of a computer readable medium include a compact
disc (CD), memory stick, or remote storage accessible via a
communication network such as the internet or a cell phone
network.
[0036] The second device 210 includes a second wireless
communication port 230. The second device 210 provides a feature or
features to the first device 205 by communicating information via
the wireless ports. In this way the second device 210 is an add-on
module to the first device. Add-on modules perform a function or
functions external to the first device 205. The functions may be
performed by a controller included in the second device 210.
[0037] FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a mechanical coupling of
the first device 305 and the second device 310. The first device
305 includes a housing 335 that encloses the first device 305. The
housing 335 includes a mechanical coupling 350 to slidably engage
the second device 310. By slidably mounting the second device 310
next to the insulin cartridge cap 340 of the first device 305, the
first device 305 does not have to become any thicker and the change
in effective length can be minimized by using the empty space next
to the insulin cartridge cap 340. This prevents a module added-on
to the insulin pump device from making the device more cumbersome
for the user to wear. The slide mounting also allows for quick and
easy attachment by the user; making it more likely that the user
will use the add-on module.
[0038] In some embodiments, the mechanical coupling 350 includes a
locking mechanism to lock the second apparatus in the slidably
engaged position and the second device 310 includes a release
mechanism to release the second device 310 from the slidably
engaged position, or to otherwise detach the second device 310 from
the first device 305. In certain embodiments, the release mechanism
is a release button that may be located on a side surface 355 of
the second device. In some embodiments, the second device 310
includes a battery tray that slides into the bottom surface 345 of
the second device.
[0039] In some embodiments, slidably engaging the second device 310
and the first device 305 positions the first wireless communication
port 220 of FIG. 2 opposite the second wireless communication port
230. This allows infrared communication ports to be aligned for
communication. In some embodiments, the first device 205 and the
second device 210 communicate using a proprietary protocol. In some
embodiments, the first device 205 and the second device 210
communicate using an open standard wireless communication protocol.
An example of an open standard wireless communication protocol
includes, among other things, the Infrared Data Association (IRDA)
protocol. Use of an open standard wireless communication protocol
may ease development of add-on modules for the insulin pump
device.
[0040] In some embodiments, the second device 210 includes a blood
glucose monitor. A blood glucose monitor or meter measures blood
glucose levels using a sample of blood or of interstitial fluid.
Some monitors require a finger-stick to acquire the sample that is
applied to a test strip to get a blood glucose reading. Some
monitors are able to provide continuous monitoring of blood
glucose. A continuous blood glucose monitor may include a blood
glucose sensor circuit to produce an electrical blood glucose
signal representative of a blood glucose level of the patient. A
description of a blood glucose sensor circuit can be found in Steil
et al., "Closed Loop System for Controlling Insulin Infusion," U.S.
Pat. No. 6,558,351, filed Jun. 1, 2000, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety. The blood glucose monitor
provides information regarding the blood glucose level of the user
(e.g., blood glucose data) to the first device 205.
[0041] In some embodiments, the second device 210 includes a
glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb.sub.Alc) tester. When a diabetic is not
effectively controlling their diabetes, blood sugar combines with
hemoglobin and the hemoglobin becomes abnormally glycated. The
Hb.sub.Alc tester determines if the Hb.sub.Alc level of the user is
within a normal range. In some embodiments, the second device 210
includes an activity monitor. The activity monitor includes a
sensor that produces an activity sensor signal that is
representative of the activity of the user. In some embodiments,
the activity sensor is an accelerometer. In some embodiments, the
activity monitor includes a pedometer function. The activity
monitor provides information related to activity of a user. In some
embodiments, the second device 210 includes a blood ketone tester.
Monitoring blood ketone level is useful to detect diabetic
ketoacidosis. The blood ketone tester provides information
regarding the blood ketone level of the user to the first device.
Other embodiments of the second device 210 implement any of the
features described herein.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of an example of a method 400 to
provide add-on features to an insulin pump device. At block 405, a
mechanical coupling is positioned on a housing that encloses an
insulin pump device. The mechanical coupling slidably engages a
second device.
[0043] At block 410, a first wireless communication port is
positioned in relation to the mechanical coupling such that when a
second device is in a slidably engaged position, the first wireless
communication port is positioned opposite a second wireless
communication port of the second device. At block 415, the insulin
pump device communicates with the second device via the first and
second communication ports using an open standard wireless
communication protocol.
Activity Monitoring
[0044] Activity of the insulin pump user may lead to a change in
insulin therapy of the user. A pump user may not always know when
activity such as exercise leads to a change in therapy, or the user
may neglect to address a change required by the activity.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of method 500
to manage blood glucose of an insulin pump user in response to
activity. At block 505, information related to activity of a user
is received into a device that includes an insulin pump. At block
510, a change in insulin therapy is determined according to the
activity information. At block 515, the changed insulin therapy is
delivered using the insulin pump device.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of portions of an embodiment of a
device 600 that helps a user manage their blood glucose in response
to activity. The device 600 includes a pump 615 configured to
deliver insulin, an input 622, and a controller 625. The controller
625 receives information related to activity of a user of the
apparatus via the input 622. In some embodiments, the device 600
includes a user interface communicatively coupled to the input 622.
The communicative coupling allows the controller 6255 to exchange
electrical signals with the input 622 and pump 615 even though
intervening circuitry may be present. The user interface may
include one or more keys in a keypad. The controller 625 receives
the information related to activity of a user via the user
interface.
[0047] In some embodiments, the device includes a communication
port 620 and the controller 625 receives the information from a
separate second device. In certain embodiments, the communication
port 620 is a wired port (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) port,
Firewire port, or RS232 port). In certain embodiments, the
communication port 620 is a wireless port (e.g., an IR port or an
RF port).
[0048] In some embodiments, the second device that provides
activity information is an add-on module that includes an activity
monitor. In certain embodiments, the activity monitor attaches to
the device 600 slidably as in FIG. 3. In certain embodiments, the
activity monitor attaches to the device 600 by a clasp mechanism.
Descriptions of devices and methods that attach add-on modules to
an insulin pump device are found in Goodnow et al., "Glucose
Measuring Module and Insulin Pump Combination," U.S. Patent
Publication No. 20040254434, filed Jun. 10, 2003, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0049] The controller 625 includes an insulin calculation module
630. The insulin calculation module 630 calculates a change in
insulin therapy according to the activity information. The
controller 625 then initiates delivery of the changed insulin
therapy. The change to insulin therapy may include a change to a
meal bolus or carbohydrate bolus, a change to a correction bolus, a
change to a basal infusion of insulin (e.g., a basal insulin rate
pattern or basal rate profile), or may include the insulin
calculation module recommending that the user consume
carbohydrates.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of portions of another embodiment
of a device 700 that helps a user manage their blood glucose in
response to activity. The device 700 includes a pump 715 configured
to deliver insulin, an input 722, a controller 725, and an insulin
calculation module 730 included in the controller 725. The device
700 also includes a user interface 735. Information related to
exercise of the user is received by the controller 725 via the user
interface 735.
[0051] The insulin calculation module 730 uses the exercise
information to calculate an amount of carbohydrates metabolized by
the exercise. In some embodiments, the insulin calculation module
730 estimates the amount of carbohydrates metabolized by the
exercise according to a conversion rule. For example, the insulin
calculation module 730 may estimate that the user metabolizes 15 to
30 grams every 30 to 60 minutes. The exact conversion rule can be
tailored for the pump user and programmed into the controller 725
by the user or a diabetes professional. The conversion rule can be
programmed via the user interface 735 or via a communication port
620 as shown in FIG. 6.
[0052] In some embodiments, the device 700 includes a memory 740.
The conversion rule is a lookup table stored in the memory 740. The
lookup table indexes the amount of carbohydrates metabolized
according to the exercise intensity and the exercise duration. An
exercise with a higher intensity (e.g., running) would have a
higher intensity level and metabolize more carbohydrates than an
exercise with a lower intensity (e.g., golfing). An example of a
table that indexes an amount of carbohydrates to the intensity and
duration of exercise is the ExCarbs Table published by Diabetes
Services, Inc. and reproduced in FIG. 8. The intensity and duration
of the exercise is entered via the user interface 735. In some
examples, the table includes the amount of carbohydrates
metabolized per amount of body weight (e.g., per 100 pounds). The
insulin calculation module 730 calculates the amount of
carbohydrates metabolized by the exercise from the user's body
weight.
[0053] The insulin calculation module 730 calculates a reduction of
an amount of insulin in a bolus by an amount that covers the
metabolized amount of carbohydrates. In some examples, the insulin
calculation module 730 calculates the reduction in insulin using a
carbohydrate ratio stored in the device 700. A carbohydrate ratio
refers to the amount of carbohydrates covered by a unit of insulin.
It is sometimes referred to as a carbohydrate factor, or carb
factor, and is typically specified as grams of carbohydrates per
unit of insulin. The insulin calculation module 730 converts the
amount of metabolized carbohydrates into an amount of insulin using
the carbohydrate ratio and reduces the amount of insulin in a bolus
by that amount. For example, the patient may metabolize seventy
grams of carbohydrates during an exercise session. If the
carbohydrate ratio is ten grams of carbohydrates per unit of
insulin, the insulin pump may determine that seven units of insulin
are required to cover the carbohydrates and reduce an amount of
insulin in a bolus by seven units.
[0054] In some embodiments, the insulin calculation module 730
reduces the insulin in a meal bolus by an amount that covers the
metabolized amount of carbohydrates. A meal bolus is an amount of
insulin delivered in anticipation of, or in response to, eating a
meal. In some examples, the insulin calculation module 730 reduces
the insulin in a correction bolus. A correction bolus is a bolus of
insulin designed to bring high blood glucose back to normal. In
some examples, the insulin calculation module 730 reduces the
insulin in a basal insulin rate pattern by an amount that covers
the metabolized amount of carbohydrates. The insulin calculation
module 730 temporarily reduces the rate of basal insulin delivery
until the insulin reduction is covered and then restores the
original rate of basal insulin delivery.
[0055] In some embodiments, the device 700 includes a display 745.
After calculating an amount of carbohydrates metabolized by the
exercise, the insulin calculation module 730 recommend, via the
display, that the user consume the calculated amount of
carbohydrates.
[0056] In some embodiments, one or more exercise regimens are
stored in the memory 740. This is useful if the insulin pump user
regularly repeats a type of exercise (e.g., regularly plays a round
of golf at the same golf course or regularly runs a certain
distance). An exercise regimen can be labeled "run" and can index a
specified intensity and duration. The exercise intensity and
duration may be used to determine the amount of metabolized
carbohydrates, such as by using a lookup table as described
previously. The exercise regimens may be received into the device
700 via the user interface 735, or may be received into the device
700 from a second separate device via a communication port.
[0057] The device 700 receives an indication, via the user
interface 735, that the user will exercise according to a stored
exercise regimen. In response to the received indication, the
controller 725 presents on the display 745 an exercise insulin
delivery pattern corresponding to the exercise regimen. In some
examples, the exercise insulin delivery pattern is a basal insulin
rate pattern that includes a reduction in insulin according to the
carbohydrates metabolized during the exercise. The device receives,
via the user interface, at least one of a selection of the exercise
insulin delivery pattern into the device or a modification to the
exercise insulin delivery pattern into the device. The controller
725 then initiates delivery of the selected or modified exercise
insulin delivery pattern. The user may also cancel the exercise
insulin delivery pattern via the user interface 735.
[0058] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of portions of still another
embodiment of a device 900 that helps a user manage their blood
glucose in response to activity. The device 900 includes a pump 915
configured to deliver insulin, an input 922, a controller 925, and
an insulin calculation module 930 included in the controller 925.
The device 900 includes an activity sensor 950 communicatively
coupled to the input 922. The activity sensor 950 provides activity
information in the form of an activity sensor signal that is an
electrical signal representative of patient activity.
[0059] According to some embodiments, the device 900 includes a
second input 952 and a display 945. The controller 925 receives
information related to blood glucose into the insulin pump device
via the second input and displays activity information in
association with the blood glucose information on the device
display 945. In certain embodiments, the controller 925 displays an
indication of a period of high blood glucose level or a period of
low blood glucose level on the device display 945 together with
activity information. In certain embodiments, the controller 925
displays indications of both periods of high and low blood glucose
levels together with an indication of activity level on the device
display 945.
[0060] In some embodiments, the device 900 includes a user
interface communicatively coupled to the second input 952. The
controller 925 receives information related to blood glucose
entered manually via the user interface.
[0061] In some embodiments, the device 900 includes a communication
port communicatively coupled to the second input 952. The port may
be a wired port or a wireless port. The controller 925 receives
information related to blood glucose via the communication port
from a second separate device. In some examples, the second device
is a blood glucose monitor. In some embodiments, the second device
is a blood glucose monitor included in an add-module to the device
900. In some embodiments, a blood glucose monitor 955 is integral
to the device 900 and is communicatively coupled to the second
input 952.
[0062] According to some embodiments, the device 900 includes a
memory 940 and a display 945. The memory 940 stores a basal insulin
rate pattern for an indicated activity level. For example, the
memory 940 may store one basal rate pattern for an activity with an
intensity level of "3" and a different basal rate pattern for an
activity with an intensity level of "5". The controller 925
includes an activity module 960. The activity module 960 uses the
activity sensor signal from the activity sensor 950 to determine an
actual activity level of the patient during delivery of the basal
insulin rate pattern, which may be different from the indicated
activity level. The controller 925 displays an indication when the
actual activity level deviates from the indicated activity level
and displays a recommended change to the basal rate pattern.
[0063] In certain embodiments, if the actual level of exercise is
less than the indicated level, the exercise basal rate pattern may
not deliver enough insulin. The insulin calculation module 930
determines the difference between the actual carbohydrates
metabolized and the amount of carbohydrates metabolized according
to the stored indicated activity level and recommends an amount of
insulin in a correction bolus to cover the difference. In certain
embodiments, if the actual level of exercise is more than the
indicated level, the exercise basal rate pattern may deliver too
much insulin. The insulin calculation module determines the
difference between the amount of carbohydrates covered by the
insulin and the amount of carbohydrates metabolized, and the
controller 925 displays an indication for the user to eat an amount
of carbohydrates corresponding to the calculated difference.
[0064] In some embodiments, the activity module 960 establishes a
baseline level of patient activity for a period of time. The period
of time may be a period during the day when the pump user is more
active, or may be a period of normal activity. In some examples,
the activity module 960 establishes a baseline level for a specific
activity (e.g., playing tennis).
[0065] In certain embodiments, the activity module 960 establishes
a baseline activity level using a central tendency (e.g., an
average value, or a median value) of the activity sensor signal.
The activity module 960 then determines an actual level of patient
activity during a time period (e.g., the time of day, or when the
user indicates to the device 900 that they are playing tennis)
using the activity sensor signal, and compares the actual level of
patient activity to the baseline level. If the actual level of
patient activity exceeds the baseline level by a threshold value,
the insulin calculation module calculates and displays an amount of
carbohydrates for the patient to consume.
[0066] If the actual level of patient activity is less than the
baseline level by the same or a different threshold value, the
controller 925 prompts the user, via the display 945, to initiate
blood glucose tests more frequently. In certain embodiments, if the
activity module 960 determines that the actual level of patient
exercise is less than the baseline level by more than a threshold
value, the insulin calculation module 930 calculates an amount of
insulin to deliver in a correction bolus to bring the patient's
blood glucose to a target level. The controller 925 may then
display the recommended amount to the pump user who may then
initiate the correction bolus through a user interface.
[0067] According to some embodiments, the memory 940 stores basal
rate patterns in association with patient activity levels. For
example, the memory 940 may store exercise basal rate patterns to
be used during or after exercise. The activity module 960
determines a level of patient activity using the activity sensor
signal. The controller 925 activates the exercise basal rate
pattern according to the level of patient activity determined by
the activity module 960. As an illustrative example, the memory 940
may store one basal rate pattern for normal activity, a first
exercise basal rate pattern for an activity with an intensity level
of "3", and a second exercise basal rate pattern for an activity
with an intensity level of "5". When the activity module 960
determines that the activity level of the patient is "3", the
controller 925 activates the first exercise basal rate pattern.
[0068] Other motion signatures in the activity sensor signal may
provide other information to the device 900. For example, a sudden
spike in the activity sensor signal may indicate that the device
900 underwent an impact. In some embodiments, the activity module
960 determines that the activity signal exceeds a signal threshold
value associated with the insulin pump device undergoing an impact.
In response to the determined impact, the controller displays a
recommendation to check the insulin pump device, an insulin
cartridge, or both the insulin pump device and insulin cartridge
for damage.
Audio Capability
[0069] Because visual indications may be too difficult for a sight
impaired pump user to see on a display, audible indications from an
insulin pump may be desirable. Also, audio indications may be
useful in attracting a non-sight impaired pump user's attention to
the device in case of a pump-related alarm condition.
[0070] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method 1000 of assisting an
insulin pump user in managing their diabetes. At block 1005,
information is communicated between a first device that includes an
insulin pump and a second device that includes a memory to store a
plurality of compressed audio data files. This includes at block
1010, communicating a command from the first device to the second
device to cause the second device to play a compressed audio data
file when the command is received. The audio data file may include
an alert concerning the insulin pump device, or may include a
status of the insulin pump device.
[0071] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of portions of an embodiment of a
system 1100 that includes compressed audio files to assist an
insulin pump user in managing their diabetes. The system 1100
includes a first device 1105 and a second device 1110. The first
device includes a pump 1115 configured to deliver insulin, a
communication port 1120, and a controller 1125 communicatively
coupled to the pump 1115 and the communication port 1120. The
controller 1125 communicates with the second device 1110 via the
communication port 1120. The communication port 1120 may be a wired
port or a wireless communication port.
[0072] The second device 1110 includes a processor 1127 and a
memory 1140 integral to or communicatively coupled to the processor
1127. The memory 1140 stores one or more files of compressed audio
data. In some embodiments, the compressed audio data file 1142 is
compressed using a lossy compression algorithm, such as the MPEG-1
Audio Layer 3 (MP3) format for example. In some embodiments, the
compressed audio data file 1142 is compressed using a lossless
compression algorithm. The second device 1110 also includes a
communication port 1130 and an audio port 1160. The communication
port 1130 may be a wired port or a wireless communication port. In
some embodiments, the second device 1110 is an add-on module that
may be attached by any of the methods described or incorporated
herein. In some embodiments, the second device 1110 includes a
housing that includes a belt clip for wearing the second device
1110 with a belt. In certain embodiments, the communication ports
are IR ports and the belt positions the second device 1110 for IR
communication. The audio port 1160 may communicatively coupled to a
speaker or to an audio jack, such as to receive an audio headphone
connection for example.
[0073] The controller 1125 of the first device 1105 transmits a
command to the second device 1110 to cause the second device 1110
to play the compressed audio data file 1142. In some examples, the
command is communicated using an open standard wireless
communication protocol. The processor 1127 of the second device
1110 receives the command and plays the compressed audio data file
1142 via the audio port 1160 in accordance with the command.
[0074] In some embodiments, the compressed audio file 1142
communicates an alert concerning the first device 1105 when played.
In certain embodiments, the compressed audio file 1142 communicates
an occlusion alarm when blockage tubing of the first device 1105 is
detected. In certain embodiments, the compressed audio file 1142
communicates a status of the second device when played. Examples of
status alerts include, among other things, that the device is
currently running a test, details of insulin therapy provided by
the device, and any insulin pump problems. Communicating audible
alerts is useful to assist a sight impaired user of an insulin pump
device.
[0075] In some embodiments, the compressed audio file 1142
communicates a result of a test run using the first device 1105. In
certain embodiments, the controller 1125 may be configured to run a
test to check operation of the pump 1115. In certain embodiments,
the controller 1125 of the first device 1105 maybe configured to
calculate a carbohydrate ratio, to run a correction factor test, or
to run a basal rate test.
[0076] As noted previously, a carbohydrate ratio refers to the
amount of carbohydrates covered by a unit of insulin. Descriptions
of devices and methods that perform a carbohydrate ratio test are
found in Blomquist, "Carbohydrate Ratio Testing Using Frequent
Blood Glucose Input," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/679,712,
filed Feb. 27, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety. A correction factor refers to the amount in drop in
blood sugar, or blood glucose, for one unit of insulin.
Descriptions of devices and methods that perform a correction
factor test are found in Blomquist et al., "Correction Factor
Testing Using Frequent Blood Glucose Input," U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/626,653, filed Jan. 24, 2007, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A basal rate test
determines if a change should be made to a basal rate pattern.
Descriptions of devices and methods that perform a basal rate test
are found in Blomquist et al., "Basal Rate Testing Using Frequent
Blood Glucose Input," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/685,617,
filed Mar. 13, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety. After running such a test, the controller 1125
transmits a command to the second device 1110 to cause the second
device 1110 to play a compressed audio data file 1142 regarding the
test.
[0077] In some embodiments, the memory 1140 stores a plurality of
compressed audio data files 1142 and the command indicates which
audio data file to play. In some embodiments, the first device 1105
communicates a file of compressed audio data to the second device
via the communication ports 1120, 1130. The second device 1110 then
plays the communicated audio data file.
[0078] In some embodiments, the first device 1105 includes a user
interface 1135 which includes a display 1145. The controller 1125
displays a menu containing a plurality of audio files (e.g., songs)
playable on the second device 1110. The controller 1125 receives an
audio file selection via the user interface 1135 and communicates a
selected audio file option to the second device 1110 which plays
the corresponding compressed audio data file 1142.
Temperature Monitoring
[0079] Stability of insulin is impacted by temperature. Insulin may
become bad if exposed to extremes of heat or cold. FIG. 12 is a
flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 1200 to help an insulin
pump user make best use of their pump. At block 1205, temperature
is monitored using a device that includes an insulin pump. At block
1210, it is determined that a cartridge of insulin has been
installed in the device. At block 1215, a temperature that exceeds
a first temperature threshold value is detected while the insulin
cartridge is installed. At block 1220, a warning is displayed when
the temperature exceeds the first temperature threshold value.
[0080] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of portions of a device 1300 to
monitor temperature of insulin. The device 1300 includes a pump
1315 configured to deliver insulin and a detection circuit 1365
configured to detect when a cartridge of insulin is installed in
the device 1300. In some embodiments, the detection circuit 1365
includes a switch (e.g., a button) that is activated when an
insulin cartridge is inserted in the device 1300. The device 1300
also includes a temperature sensor 1350 that produces an electrical
temperature signal representative of temperature, a display 1345,
and a controller 1325. The controller 1325 is communicatively
coupled to the pump 1315, the detection circuit 1365, and the
temperature sensor 1350.
[0081] The controller 1325 includes a comparison module 1330 to
detect when the temperature exceeds a first temperature threshold
value while an insulin cartridge is installed. The controller 1325
displays a warning when the temperature exceeds the first
temperature threshold value. In certain embodiments, the controller
1325 displays a warning that the insulin has been exposed to a high
temperature, or displays a recommendation that the user initiate
more frequent blood glucose readings. In some examples, the
comparison module 1330 detects that the temperature is less than a
second lower temperature threshold value while an insulin cartridge
is installed. The controller 1325 then displays a warning that
insulin has been exposed to a low temperature.
[0082] According to some embodiments, the temperature sensor 1350
monitors the temperature of the insulin cartridge. For example, the
temperature sensor 1350 may be located proximate to or in contact
with the insulin cartridge. The comparison module 1330 detects
whether the temperature is below a second lower temperature
threshold value. When the comparison module 1330 indicates that the
temperature is below the second lower temperature threshold value,
the controller 1325 displays a warning to check the insulin
cartridge. In some embodiments, the comparison module 1330 detects
when the temperature of the insulin cartridge rises from a
temperature below the second temperature threshold to a temperature
above the first temperature threshold. The controller 1325 then
displays a recommendation that the user check for bubbles in the
insulin cartridge.
[0083] Measuring a time-temperature product may provide a better
indication of whether the insulin has been affected by temperature.
According to some examples, the device 1300 includes a timer
circuit 1370. The comparison module 1330 measures the temperature
using the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 1350, and
measures a duration of time that the measured temperature exceeds a
threshold temperature value. The comparison module 1330 then
determines a product of the measured time duration and the measured
temperature, and detects when the product of the measured time
duration and temperature exceed a threshold product value. If the
product of measured time and temperature exceeds the threshold
product value, the controller 1325 displays a warning, such as to
check the insulin cartridge for bubbles or a warning that the
time-temperature rating has been exceeded, for example.
Food Scale Interface
[0084] A meal bolus is an amount of insulin delivered in
anticipation of, or in response to, eating a meal. Typically, the
meal bolus insulin is to counteract or cover the amount the amount
of carbohydrates in the meal. The proper amount of insulin can be
influenced by many factors such as the nutrient content of the food
in the meal. Nutrient content refers to the amount of
carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and fat in the meal. Nutrient
content may also include further indicate an amount of
fast-absorbing carbohydrates in the meal. Determining an
appropriate amount of insulin in the meal bolus can be difficult
for a pump user due to difficulty in estimating the nutrient
content of the food.
[0085] A food database contains the nutrient content for various
types of food. The food database may include one or more food
entries. A food database entry may include the nutrient content for
a particular food (e.g., apple), and the database entries can be
combined to determine the nutrient content of a meal (e.g.,
chicken, potato, green beans). An electronic food scale is helpful
in determining the nutrient content of the meal. For example, the
protein content of chicken per gram stored in the food database can
be multiplied by the number of grams of chicken determined by the
food scale. Estimating the amount of nutrient content in food would
be easier for the insulin pump user if an electronic food scale
communicated food information with an insulin pump. In some
embodiments, the food data base is stored in the insulin pump and
the insulin pump receives food weight information from the food
scale. In some embodiments, the food database is stored in the food
scale and the insulin pump receives food nutrient information from
the food scale.
[0086] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 1400
of automatically determining an amount of insulin to deliver in a
bolus in response to a pump user ingesting a meal (e.g., a meal
bolus). At block 1405, a database of food options is stored in
association with a known nutrient content in a memory of a device
that includes an insulin pump. In some embodiments, a food database
entry represents a food or a combination of foods. A food database
entry may be stored as a record including the food name and the
nutrient content of the food which includes at least one of the
amounts of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and fat in the food. The
food database entries may be combined to determine the nutrient
content for a meal. The food database entries may be programmed
into the insulin pump device by the user or a diabetes
professional, or the food entries may be downloaded into the
insulin pump device from a separate device.
[0087] At block 1410, a food selection of a user is received into
the insulin pump device, such as via a user interface for example.
In some embodiments, selecting a food option includes scrolling
through a list of food options which may be displayed using text or
using a graphic of the food. At block 1415, receiving a weight of
the food selected is received into the insulin pump device from a
second device. In some embodiments, the second device includes a
food scale.
[0088] At block 1420, the insulin pump device calculates an amount
of nutrient content in the food selection using the received
weight. At block 1425, an amount of insulin to deliver is
determined using the calculated amount of nutrient content.
[0089] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device 1500
to automatically determine an amount of insulin in an insulin bolus
using food nutrient information. The device 1500 includes a pump
1515 configured to deliver insulin and a memory 1540 to store a
food database 1542. In the food database 1542, food options are
stored in association with a known amount of nutrient content. The
device 1500 also includes a user interface 1535 configured to
receive a food selection from a user, a communication port 1520,
and a controller 1525. The communication 1520 may be a wired port
or a wireless port.
[0090] The controller 1525 is communicatively coupled to the pump
1515, the memory 1540, the user interface 1535, and the
communication port 1520. The controller 1525 receives, via the
communication port 1520, a weight of the food selected into the
insulin pump device from a second device (e.g., an electronic food
scale). If the communication port 1520 is a wired port, the wired
connection may be removable when not communicating information. The
controller 1525 includes a nutrient calculation module 1532 that
calculates an amount of nutrient content in the food selection
using the received weight. For example, the food database 1542 may
include the amount of at least one of carbohydrates, fiber,
protein, or fat per gram of the food. The nutrient calculation
module 1532 then multiplies the nutrient information by the
received weight to determine the nutrient content of the meal.
[0091] The controller 1525 also includes an insulin calculation
module 1530. The insulin calculation module 1530 determines an
amount of insulin to deliver using the calculated amount. In some
embodiments, the insulin calculation module 1530 uses at least one
of a carbohydrate ratio, protein ratio, fat ratio, or fiber content
to determine the amount of insulin to deliver. A carbohydrate ratio
is sometimes referred to as a carbohydrate (or carb) factor and
refers to the amount of carbohydrates covered by a unit of insulin.
The insulin calculation module 1530 may use the carbohydrate ratio
to automatically determine an amount of insulin required to match a
number of carbohydrates ingested by the patient, or at least an
amount required to keep post-meal blood glucose within a range that
is healthy for a patient. For example, the nutrient information may
indicate that the food the pump user plans to eat includes 70 grams
of carbohydrates. If the carbohydrate ratio is 10 grams of
carbohydrates per unit of insulin (10 g/u), the insulin pump
determines that 7 units of insulin are required to cover the
carbohydrates. Because fiber is considered a carbohydrate but not
metabolized as a carbohydrate, the grams of fiber may be subtracted
from the total grams of carbohydrates. Similar to a carbohydrate
ratio, the insulin calculation module 1530 may use a protein ratio
to determine an amount of insulin required to cover the protein in
the meal, and/or a fat ratio to determine an amount of insulin
required to cover the fat in the meal.
[0092] In some embodiments, the insulin is delivered as a meal
bolus. In some embodiments, the insulin calculation module 1530
determines a change to a type of meal bolus using the calculated
amount of nutrient content. For example, the nutrient content may
indicate an amount of fast absorbing carbohydrates and an amount of
slow absorbing carbohydrates. Based on the presence of fast and
slow absorbing carbohydrates, the insulin calculation module 1530
may determine to deliver the insulin to cover the meal in a
combination bolus.
[0093] FIG. 16 illustrates a graph 1600 of an example of a
combination bolus of insulin. The graph 1600 shows an amount of
insulin delivered versus time. The combination meal bolus includes
a first portion 1605 of insulin that is delivered immediately
beginning at time t.sub.0. The amount of insulin in the first
portion 1605 may be determined using the amount of fast absorbing
carbohydrates. The first portion 1605 concludes at time t.sub.1
when a second portion 1610 of insulin begins to be delivered. The
second portion 1610 is delivered over an extended period of time
until time t.sub.2. The extended portion is delivered at a lower
rate and for a longer period of time than the first portion 1605.
The amount of insulin in the second portion 1610 may be determined
using the amount of slow absorbing carbohydrates.
[0094] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of another embodiment of a method
1700 of automatically determining an amount of insulin to deliver
in a bolus. At block 1705, a database of food options is stored in
association with a known nutrient content in a memory of a first
device that includes a weight scale (e.g., an electronic food
weight scale). At block 1710, a food selection of a user of a
second device is received into the first device. The second device
includes the insulin pump. At block 1715, food information is
transmitted to the insulin pump device using the weight scale
device. The food information includes an amount of nutrient content
of the food. At block 1720, an amount of insulin to deliver by the
insulin pump device is determined using the food information.
[0095] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of another example of a device
1800 to automatically determine an amount of insulin in an insulin
bolus using food nutrient information. The device 1800 includes a
pump 1815 configured to deliver insulin, a communication port 1820,
and a controller 1825. The controller 1825 receives information
regarding the nutrient content of food via the communication port
1820. The nutrient content is of food to be eaten by the pump user
and the information is transmitted by a second device, such as a
device that includes a weight scale for example. In certain
embodiments, the communication port 1820 may be a wired port and
the user connects the port when the information is to be
communicated. In certain embodiments, the communication port 1820
is a wireless communication port.
[0096] The controller 1825 includes an insulin calculation module
1830 that determines an amount of insulin to deliver, in
anticipation of the user eating the meal, using the nutrient
content information received into the device 1800. In some
embodiments, the insulin is delivered as a meal bolus. In some
embodiments, the insulin calculation module determines, using the
nutrient content, whether the meal bolus should include an extended
bolus. In certain examples, the extended bolus is included in a
combination bolus, such as the illustrative example shown in FIG.
16. The second portion 1610 of the combination bolus is an extended
bolus.
Personal Information Manager Feature
[0097] Information related to the daily routine of an insulin pump
user is often in electronic form. For example, the user may have a
personal information manager (PIM) device, such as a personal data
assistant (PDA) or the like. Information related to daily events of
the user is stored in the device using an interactive calendar.
This information may useful in setting or adjusting insulin therapy
from an insulin pump.
[0098] FIG. 19 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method
1900 to program an insulin pump device using an interactive
calendar. At block 1905, information is communicated between a
first device that includes an insulin pump and a second device that
includes an interactive calendar. In some embodiments, the second
device is an add-on module to the insulin pump device. In some
embodiments, the second device is a separate device (e.g., a PDA or
any computing device running an interactive calendar program). The
information communicated between the two devices includes a
calendar event of a user of the first device entered into the
interactive calendar of the second device.
[0099] At block 1910, operation of the first device is altered
according to the communicated calendar event. Examples of altering
operation if the first device include, among other things, changing
a delivery of insulin, activating an exercise basal rate pattern,
and changing an alarm mode of the first device.
[0100] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of portions of a system 2000 that
includes an insulin pump device. The system 2000 includes a first
device 2005 and a second device 2010. The first device 2005 is an
insulin pump device and includes the pump 2015, a first
communication port 2020, and a controller 2025 that initiates
insulin therapy delivered by the pump 2015.
[0101] The second device 2010 implements an interactive calendar
and includes a memory 2040 to store a plurality of calendar events
of a user, a user interface 2035 including a display 2045, a second
communication port 2030, and a processor 2027. The user interface
2035 receives a calendar event into the memory 2040 of the second
device 2010 and the processor 2027 displays the calendar event. The
processor 2027 is configured to communicate information to the
first device 2005 using the second communication port 2030. The
communicated information includes a calendar event of the user. The
controller 2025 of the first device 2005 alters operation of the
first device according to the communicated calendar event.
[0102] According to some embodiments, the communicated calendar
event includes a meal time of the user. The controller 2025
schedules a missed meal bolus alarm in a time relation to the meal
time (e.g., a specified time duration after the scheduled meal
time). If the user fails to initiate a meal bolus using the first
device 2005, the controller 2025 generates a missed meal bolus
alarm, or other kind of alert to the user. The user may then
initiate the meal bolus if they did indeed eat and forgot to
initiate a meal bolus, or may merely cancel the alarm if they did
not eat at the scheduled time.
[0103] According to some embodiments, the communicated calendar
event includes an exercise time. In some embodiments, the exercise
time is when the user exercises according to a specified exercise
regimen (e.g., walking a specified distance). The controller 2025
of the insulin pump device changes a delivery of insulin in
relation to the communicated exercise time. For example, the
controller 2025 may automatically change the basal rate pattern
delivered by the device to an exercise basal rate pattern or
profile that corresponds to the specified exercise. The controller
2025 changes to the exercise basal pattern in relation to the
communicated exercise time (e.g., a specified time duration before
the exercise regimen begins, as the regimen is scheduled to begin,
or a time duration after the exercise regimen begins). In some
examples, the first device 2005 includes a display and displays a
prompt as to whether the user wishes to activate the exercise basal
rate pattern. The user may then enable or cancel activation of the
exercise basal rate pattern.
[0104] In some embodiments, the controller 2025 calculates an
amount of carbohydrates metabolized by the specified exercise
regimen and reduces an amount of insulin to be delivered by the
first device 2005 by an amount that covers the metabolized
carbohydrates. Examples of devices that calculate carbohydrates
metabolized by exercise were described previously in regard to FIG.
7.
[0105] The first device 2005 may include an audible indicator 2070
and a vibration mechanism 2075 communicatively coupled to the
controller 2025. An example of an audible indicator 2070 is a
transducer or speaker. The controller 2025 may include an alarm
module 2032 to generate an audible alert, such as a reminder to
initiate a meal bolus or a reminder to take a blood glucose
measurement for example. The alarm module 2032 generates a
vibratory alert for such reminders using the vibration mechanism
2075. In some embodiments, the communicated calendar event includes
a meeting time and, according to the meeting time, the alarm module
2032 switches an alarm mode of the first device 2005 between an
audible mode and a vibratory mode according to the communicated
meeting time. Thus, the alarm module 2032 automatically switches
from the audible alert to a silent alert during the meeting time,
and may switch back from the silent alert to the audible alert
after the meeting time.
[0106] According to some examples, the first device 2005 includes a
memory 2042 coupled to or integral to the controller 2025. The
memory 2042 includes an insulin therapy event log memory area 2044.
The controller 2025 stores an event related to insulin therapy in
association with the communicated calendar event as a log entry in
the insulin therapy event log memory area 2044. Storing an insulin
therapy event in association with the communicated calendar event
is useful to provide context to insulin therapy events such as
blood glucose readings or pump deliveries of insulin. In some
examples, the controller 2025 generates a report that includes one
or more log entries from the insulin therapy event log memory area
2044. The report may be displayed via a display included in the
first device 2005, or the report may be communicated via the
communication port to the second device 2010 or a third device for
display or printing. The generated report may be useful in making
decisions concerning adjustment to insulin therapy provided by the
insulin pump device.
Speech Recognition
[0107] In some situations it may be desirable to communicate with
an insulin pump device without the need to navigate operational
menus displayed on the insulin pump device. For example, the pump
user may be visually impaired. For this reason, it is desirable to
provide speech recognition capability in an insulin pump
device.
[0108] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 2100
of operating an insulin pump device. At block 2105, acoustic energy
is received into a device that includes an insulin pump. Typically,
the acoustic energy is radiated from speech of the insulin pump
user. At block 2110, an electrical audio signal is generated by the
insulin pump device using the received acoustic energy. At block
2115, a command is derived from the electrical audio signal. At
block 2135, altering operation of the insulin pump device is
altered according to the derived command. For example, the command
may be, among other things, a command to initiate or change a
delivery of insulin from the insulin pump device, to run a device
test, or to change an operating parameter of the device.
[0109] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of portions of a device 2200 to
provide voice control of insulin therapy. The device 2200 includes
a pump 2215 configured to deliver insulin, an acoustic transducer
2250, a speech recognition circuit 2280, and a controller 2225. The
acoustic transducer 2250 receives acoustic energy and generates an
electrical transducer signal representative of the acoustic energy.
An example of an acoustic transducer is a microphone. The acoustic
energy is typically generated from speech of the pump user or
another person interacting with the device 2200. The device may
include a transducer interface circuit such as a sampling circuit
2252 that produces digitized samples of the electrical transducer
signal. The speech recognition circuit 2280 derives a command from
the digitized samples. In some embodiments, the speech recognition
circuit 2280 includes digital signal processing circuitry to derive
the command. In some embodiments, the acoustic transducer 2250, the
transducer interface circuit, and the speech recognition circuit
2280 are included in an add-on module. The add-on module may
include a second processor, such as a digital signal processor
(DSP), coupled to the speech recognition circuit 2280 to derive the
command and a communication port to communicate a derived command
to the controller 2225.
[0110] The controller 2225 alters operation of the device 2200
according to the derived command. In some embodiments, the command
derived by the speech recognition circuit 2280 from the electrical
transducer signal is to initiate delivery of a correction bolus of
insulin. In some embodiments, the command derived by the speech
recognition circuit 2280 from the electrical transducer signal is
to initiate delivery of a meal bolus of insulin. The controller
2225 then initiates delivery of the correction bolus or meal bolus
according to the derived command.
[0111] In some embodiments, the command derived by the speech
recognition circuit 2280 is to change a basal insulin rate pattern
or basal rate profile. In certain embodiments, the device 2200 may
include a memory 2240 that stores a plurality of basal rate
patterns. The derived command may be to activate a different basal
rate pattern than the basal rate pattern that is currently active.
For example, the memory 2240 may store different basal rate
patterns for different activity levels of the pump user. The pump
user may speak a command to activate an exercise basal rate
pattern, and the speech recognition circuit 2280 derives the user's
command. In some embodiments, the speech recognition circuit 2280
derives a command to deactivate insulin pump therapy and controller
2225 deactivates the therapy provided by the pump when the command
is derived. This deactivation may be implemented as an emergency
shut-off command.
[0112] According to some embodiments, the controller 2225 runs one
or more device-based tests. The speech recognition circuit 2280 is
configured to derive a command to run a device test, and the
controller 2225 is configured to initiate the test according to the
command. In certain embodiments, the controller 2225 is configured
to execute a device diagnostic test. In certain embodiments, the
controller 2225 is configured to execute a carbohydrate ratio test.
Descriptions of devices and methods that perform a carbohydrate
ratio test are found in the previously mentioned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/679,712. In certain embodiments, the
controller 2225 is configured to execute a correction factor test.
Descriptions of devices and methods that perform a correction
factor test are found in the previously mentioned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/626,653. In certain embodiments, the
controller 2225 is configured to execute a basal rate test.
Descriptions of devices and methods that perform a basal rate test
are found in the previously mentioned U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/685,617. The controller 2225 runs the carbohydrate ratio
test, the correction factor test, or the basal rate test according
to the derived command.
[0113] According to some embodiments, at least one operating
parameter 2244 of the device 2200 is stored in the memory 2240. The
speech recognition circuit 2280 derives a command from the
transducer signal to change the operating parameter 2244 of the
device 2200. The controller 2225 updates the operating parameter
2244 in the memory 2240 in response to the derived command. In
certain embodiments, the operating parameter is a correction
factor. The pump user speaks a command to update the correction
factor to a specified value. The speech recognition circuit 2280
derives the command to change the correction factor and derives the
specified value of the correction factor from the transducer
signal. The controller 2225 updates the correction factor in memory
2240.
[0114] In certain embodiments, the operating parameter is a
carbohydrate ratio. The pump user speaks a command to update the
carbohydrate ratio to a specified value. The speech recognition
circuit 2280 derives the command to change the carbohydrate ratio
and derives the specified value of carbohydrate ratio from the
transducer signal. The controller 2225 updates the carbohydrate
ratio in memory 2240.
[0115] It may be desirable to enable operation of the device 2200
with speech recognition only during certain times. This may help
avoid inadvertent changes to operation of the device 2200. In some
embodiments, the speech recognition feature must be enabled on the
device 2200 before use. The device 2200 includes a user interface
2235 communicatively coupled to the controller 2225. The controller
2225 deactivates processing of audio signals until an activation
signal is received via the user interface 2235. The processing of
audio signals continues until a deactivation signal is received via
the user interface 2235.
[0116] Ambient noise may make it difficult for the speech
recognition feature to derive commands from speech. In some
embodiments, the device 2200 includes a vibration mechanism 2075
communicatively coupled to the controller 2225. The speech
recognition circuit 2280 generates an indication when ambient noise
prevents speech recognition from the digitized samples. For
example, the speech recognition circuit 2280 may detect that
ambient noise is above a threshold ambient noise level. When the
controller 2225 receives such an indication from the speech
recognition circuit, the controller 2225 provides a vibratory alert
using the vibratory mechanism. Thus, the device 2200 alerts the
user when speech recognition may not be usable.
[0117] It may be desirable to add a measure of security in using
the speech recognition feature. In some embodiments, operation of
the device 2200 by speech recognition is enabled by a specified
password. The speech recognition circuit 2280 derives a message
corresponding to a spoken password from the digitized samples from
the sampling circuit 2252. The controller 2225 deactivates altering
operation of the device according to a derived command until the
message with the password is derived. Thus, speech recognition is
active, but commands to alter operation of the device are not
derived until the password is detected.
[0118] In some embodiments, operation of the device 2200 by speech
recognition is only allowed when the device 2200 verifies the
speaker is the insulin pump user. This is referred to as voice
recognition or speaker verification. In some embodiments, the
device 2200 includes a speaker verification circuit 2285
communicatively coupled to the sampling circuit 2252 and the
controller 2225. The speak verification circuit is configured to
verify that the digitized samples from the sampling circuit 2252
correlate to a pump user's voice. The controller alters operation
of the device 2200 using the derived command from the speech
recognition circuit 2280 only when the speaker verification circuit
2285 also verifies that the command came from the user's voice. In
certain embodiments, the speaker verification circuit 2285 includes
a DSP. In certain embodiments, the speaker verification circuit
2285 executes adaptive learning to recognize the pump user's
voice.
[0119] According to some embodiments, voice operation of the
insulin pump device includes outputting recorded voice prompts to
the insulin pump user. In some embodiments, the memory 2240 stores
one or more files of compressed audio data. The device 2200
includes an audio port 2260 communicatively coupled to the
controller 2225. The audio port 2260 may be coupled to a speaker or
to an audio jack to receive headphones. The controller 2225 plays
the compressed audio data file via the audio port 2260. For
example, the controller 2225 may play a compressed audio data file
to ask the user whether they want to initiate a meal bolus. This
may be played as part of a meal bolus reminder. The controller
initiates the meal bolus when the speech recognition circuit 2280
derives the word "yes" from the user, and does not initiate the
meal bolus if the speech recognition circuit 2280 derives the word
"no" from the user. Other compressed data files may be played to
provide alarms or alerts to the user, to inquire whether the user
wants to run a device test, or to provide an acknowledge message to
the pump user that a command from the user was derived and
executed.
Kinetic Battery
[0120] Insulin pumps are typically battery powered devices. It may
desirable to extend the battery life of an insulin pump device.
FIG. 23 is block diagram of portions of an embodiment of a device
2300 to provide insulin therapy. The device 2300 includes a pump
2315 configured to deliver insulin and a controller 2325 to
initiate delivery of insulin therapy from the pump 2315. The device
2300 also includes a primary battery circuit 2390 and a kinetic
battery circuit 2392. The primary battery circuit 2390 provides
energy to the device 2300 from a primary battery 2388. The kinetic
battery circuit 2392 provides energy to at least a portion of the
device 2300 from a kinetic battery 2391. The kinetic battery
circuit 2392 also converts motion of a user to charge stored in a
kinetic battery 2391, such as by using moving magnets to create
electrical energy in coils of wire.
[0121] The device 2300 further includes a comparison circuit 2394
and a switching circuit 2396. The switching circuit 2396 switches
the power source of at least of a portion of the device 2300
between the primary battery circuit 2390 and the kinetic battery
circuit 2392. The comparison circuit 2394 compares a charge on the
kinetic battery 2391 to a threshold charge value. When the
comparison circuit 2394 detects that the charge on the kinetic
battery 2391 exceeds the threshold, the switching circuit 2396
provides energy from the kinetic battery circuit 2392 to at least a
portion of the device 2300. When the charge on the kinetic battery
2391 is less than the threshold, the switching circuit 2396
provides energy to the portion from the primary battery circuit
2390. In some embodiments, the kinetic battery circuit 2392 and
kinetic battery 2391 are included in an add-on module that is
connected to the switching circuit 2396.
[0122] According to some examples, because the kinetic battery
circuit 2392 converts movement of the pump user into battery
energy, the kinetic battery circuit 2392 can be used to detect user
activity. In some embodiments, the device 2300 includes a charge
measurement circuit 2398 communicatively coupled to the kinetic
battery circuit and the controller, which is configured to measure
a level of charge on the kinetic battery 2391. The controller 2325
includes an activity detection module 2360 configured to determine
an activity level of the user from the measured level of charge.
For example, the activity detection module 2360 may store a first
value Q.sub.1 representing a level of charge on the kinetic battery
at time t.sub.1. At a later time, t.sub.2, the activity detection
module 2360 may determine that the charge on the kinetic battery
has increased to a second value Q.sub.2 during the time period from
time t.sub.1 to t.sub.2. The activity detection module 2360 may
detect that the activity level of the user is increasing from the
increase in charge.
[0123] In some embodiments, the activity detection module 2360 may
determine the activity level of the user from the difference
between the first value of charge and the second value of charge
(e.g., Q.sub.2-Q.sub.1). In certain embodiments, the charge
measurement circuit 2398 is configured to measure a rate of change
of the charge on the kinetic battery 2391. The activity detection
module 2360 determines the activity level of the user using the
measured rate of change of the charge. For example, the activity
detection module 2360 may determine the rate of change by dividing
the difference in charge values by the difference in time, or
Q 2 - Q 1 t 2 - t 1 . ##EQU00001##
Larger values for the rate of change indicate a higher activity
level of the pump user.
[0124] In some embodiments, the controller 2325 includes an insulin
calculation module 2330 that calculates a change in a delivery of
insulin according to the indicated activity level. The calculated
change to insulin therapy may include a calculated reduction in an
amount of insulin in at least one of a correction bolus, a meal
bolus, or a basal insulin rate pattern according to the activity
level. As discussed previously in regard to FIGS. 6 and 7, the
insulin calculation module 2330 uses the activity level to
calculate an amount of carbohydrates metabolized by the exercise,
such as by using a conversion rule for example. The insulin
calculation module 2330 then calculates a reduction of an amount of
insulin by an amount that covers the metabolized amount of
carbohydrates.
[0125] In some embodiments, the device 2300 includes a memory 2340
that may be integral to the controller 2325 or communicatively
coupled to the controller 2325. The memory 2340 stores an exercise
basal rate pattern. The controller 2325 activates the exercise
basal rate pattern according to the indicated activity level.
[0126] The kinetic battery circuit 2392 may be used to provide
energy to the entire device 2300 or to portions of the device 2300.
In some embodiments, the device 2300 includes a blood glucose
sensor circuit 2355 to produce an electrical blood glucose signal
representative of a blood glucose level of the patient. The
switching circuit 2396 provides energy to the blood glucose sensor
circuit 2355 from the kinetic battery 2391 when the charge on the
kinetic battery 2391 exceeds the threshold charge value. In some
embodiments, the device 2300 includes a temperature sensing circuit
2350 that produces an electrical temperature signal representative
of temperature. The switching circuit 2396 provides energy to the
temperature sensing circuit 2350 from the kinetic battery 2391 when
the charge on the kinetic battery 2391 exceeds the threshold charge
value. In some embodiments, the device 2300 includes a display
2345. The switching circuit 2396 provides energy to the display
2345 from the kinetic battery 2391 when the charge on the kinetic
battery 2391 exceeds the threshold charge value.
[0127] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 2400
of extending the primary battery life of an insulin pump. At block
2405, motion of a user of a device that includes an insulin pump is
used to charge a kinetic battery of the insulin pump device. At
block 2410, energy is provided to a circuit of the insulin pump
device from the kinetic battery when the charge on the kinetic
battery exceeds a threshold charge value. At block 2415, energy is
provided to the circuit of the insulin pump from the primary
battery when the charge on the kinetic battery is less than the
threshold charge value.
[0128] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." All
publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this
document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as
though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of
inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so
incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated
reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this
document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this
document controls.
[0129] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in
combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be
apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the
full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the
appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as
the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising"
and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including"
and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device,
article, or process that includes elements in addition to those
listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within
the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the
terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as
labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on
their objects. In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as
is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In
this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive or,
such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A
and B," unless otherwise indicated.
[0130] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature
of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding
that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning
of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various
features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This
should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed
feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter
may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed
embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into
the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the
full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *