Half-bionic Human: Nutritional Treatment and Follow-up in a Patient Carrying an Artificial Heart and Artificial Pancreas

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, caused by relative or absolute insulin deficiency or ‘insulin resistance’ in peripheral tissues. Disease-related complications are associated with increased morbidity. In preventing complications, it aims to keep blood glucose level close to physiological values. Medical nutrition therapy and insulin replacement close to physiology are important factors in ensuring glycemic control and preventing diabetes-related complications.

Insulin pumps are mechanical devices that approximately mimic physiological insulin release by providing continuous insulin infusion. The sensor-integrated insulin pump uses data from the sensor to detect and predict low glucose levels; It automatically stops insulin delivery before the glucose level drops and resumes delivery when it rises again. As a result, it contributes positively to blood sugar regulation.

In this case report; For the treatment of diabetes in a patient with an artificial heart (Thoratec HeartMate III Left Ventricular Assist System) with an artificial heart (Thoratec HeartMate III Left Ventricular Assist System) attached to a patch pump (artificial pancreas) (Medtrum A7 + TouchCare Patch Insulin Pump), nutrition education applied to the patient’s body weight, blood lipids, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and used it was aimed to evaluate the effect on the total insulin dose.

The patient was given nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy for three months. After this threapy, body weight, body mass index, total insulin dose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride values were decreased. Medical nutrition therapy is the first step of diabetes treatment, all other treatments should be added on top of this treatment.