IISc Develops AI-Powered Diabetes Management System, Targets Affordable Artificial Pancreas
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The platform also predicts whether blood glucose levels are likely to rise or fall over the next few hours, enabling users to take preventive measures before episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
As India faces a rising burden of diabetes, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed SugarSight, an AI-powered diabetes management platform designed to improve access to advanced diabetes care and reduce treatment costs.
Developed by Prof. Radhakant Padhi and his team and incubated at the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID), IISc, SugarSight analyzes a user's blood glucose readings, meal intake, physical activity, and insulin sensitivity to generate personalized insulin dose recommendations. The platform also predicts whether blood glucose levels are likely to rise or fall over the next few hours, enabling users to take preventive measures before episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Speaking at the event, Affordable Technologies for Mass Diabetes Care: Contributions from IISc, Padhi said the team's broader objective is to develop an indigenous artificial pancreas system that replicates the function of a healthy pancreas.
According to Padhi, the system comprises three core components: a continuous glucose sensor that monitors blood sugar levels, a control algorithm that determines insulin requirements based on real-time data, and an insulin pump that delivers precise doses. He noted that patients typically require only about half a milliliter of insulin over 24 hours, making highly accurate insulin delivery critical. Even minor deviations in dosage can lead to dangerously low or high blood glucose levels.
Padhi, a professor in IISc's Department of Aerospace Engineering, said the technology has been under development for nearly a decade. The system incorporates predictive algorithms and personalized adaptive learning techniques derived from aerospace engineering principles.
Commercially available artificial pancreas systems currently cost approximately ₹6 lakh. The IISc team aims to develop an indigenous closed-loop system, including both an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor, at a target cost of around ₹2 lakh. The prototype has already been demonstrated and is being redesigned to meet medical device certification requirements.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, speaking at the event, said scientific innovation should address public health challenges and reach communities beyond research laboratories.
Senior endocrinologist Dr. Mala Dharmalingam highlighted the role of continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump technologies in reducing the burden of diabetes management. She said these technologies minimize the need for frequent finger-prick tests while helping people, particularly children with Type 1 diabetes, manage blood glucose levels more effectively during daily activities and special occasions.
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