A true continuous healthcare system for type 1 diabetes

Continuous monitoring of vital signs and timely treatment are the future trends for wearable and implantable healthcare systems, which inevitably require ceaseless power supply. Discharged batteries could be detrimental to the health of people, such as those with type 1 diabetes, whose glucose levels should be monitored and controlled through timely insulin injections. Here, we demonstrate a feasible true continuous healthcare system for type 1 diabetes by combining a low-energy micropump, self-powered glucose sensor, and ceaseless power supply. By converting body heat into electricity to charge a battery for 790.1 s, we acquired 136.8 mJ (100%) of energy, which was used to operate the micropump and sensor for 74.6 mJ (54.5%) and 25.3 mJ (18.5%), respectively; the surplus 36.9 mJ (27.0%) was stored in the battery. These findings can help realize a true continuous healthcare system in the future.

Automated summary

Continuous monitoring and timely treatment are crucial for wearable and implantable healthcare systems, but they require continuous power supply. We developed a continuous healthcare system for type 1 diabetes by combining a low-energy micropump, self-powered glucose sensor, and body heat conversion to electricity. This system can provide true continuous healthcare for patients.