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I went to the past show put on by Eureka Comedy in SF [1][2]. The speaker said that a type of artificial pancreas now in testing is more efficient than a healt

I went to the past show put on by Eureka Comedy in SF [1][2]. The speaker said that a type of artificial pancreas now in testing is more efficient than a healthy pancreas. If that is correct, it might become the norm at some point to just swap out natural organs for synthetic ones, at least for those who can afford it. Maybe organ collection and distribution will become a function of Goodwill Industries as people donate their original natural organs. [1] http://www.eurekacomedy.com http://www.eurekacomedy.com [2] https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eureka-tickets-26689373635 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eureka-tickets-26689373635

manmal 10y ago
Does the artificial pancreas only produce insulin when blood sugar rises, or does it also secrete digestive juices and sodium bicarbonate? If the former, then it's surely not desirable yet to exchange a healthy pancreas for it. Similar to taking out the gallbladder if you don't have any stones. Digestion just works better with the real deal.
- amorphid 10y ago
  If I understand it correctly, the pancreas releases insulin to lower blood sugar, but it can also release insulin when you don't have a need. Like you might experience an insulin spike when thinking about eating a tasty dessert, but are not actually consuming the dessert. An artificial pancreas relies on monitoring actual blood sugar levels. It can also proactively address low blood sugar. The speaker mentioned getting a text when her diabetic son's blood sugar was low, and so she called the son's babysitter with instructions to give the son some crackers. I've never received a text message from my pancreas, or any other organ in my body.