Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

How does the project "Dealing with Diabetes" correlate with actual diabetes? I understand how the artificial pancreas works, but I seem to be a bit confused.

Hello kay_seymour,

An artificial pancreas that automatically dispenses insulin to maintain proper glucose levels would be a great help to people with diabetes.

In the “Dealing with Diabetes” project, you make a model of an artificial pancreas. This model has an electrical circuit and conductance sensor that respond to the acidity of a solution. When the solution is acidic a pump dispenses a basic solution to until the acidity is neutralized. Thus the model demonstrates how an electrical circuit can be designed to self-regulate a chemical reaction.

Elements from the project model would be included in a working artificial pancreas. That is, a circuit and sensor that respond to blood glucose (instead of acidity) would be needed. A pump would dispense insulin (instead of a basic solution) until the appropriate glucose level is achieved.

A more detailed comparison of the model from the project and an actual artificial pancreas is provided in the project background section:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... background

I hope this helps. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman

Hi kay_seymour,

I was involved in writing this project, and norman40's explanation is correct. For practical purposes of doing an at-home science experiment, we couldn't exactly use real human blood and glucose. So, like norman40 said, the baking soda and vinegar act as a "simulation" instead. Conceptually the ideas are the same - your circuit automatically regulates pH levels in a liquid, so you don't have to manually add baking soda or vinegar to balance things out. A true artificial pancreas would automatically regulate insulin levels, so the user doesn't have to do manual injections.

Hope that helps.

-Ben