The Bionic Pancreas for Diabetes During Pregnancy

Clinical Studies Investigating Use of the Bionic Pancreas in Pregnancy

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11190843

This research explores how a special device called the Bionic Pancreas can help pregnant individuals manage their diabetes more easily and safely.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11190843 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Managing diabetes during pregnancy can be very challenging because blood sugar targets are stricter and insulin needs change constantly. Current intensive insulin therapies, while helpful, still leave many pregnant individuals at risk for complications. This project aims to see if the iLet Bionic Pancreas, an automated insulin delivery system, can make it easier to keep blood sugar levels healthy. This device is unique because it only needs your weight to start and doesn't require constant carbohydrate counting. We hope this will lead to better health outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant individuals living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who struggle to maintain their blood sugar levels.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have diabetes or are not pregnant would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer pregnant individuals with diabetes a simpler and more effective way to manage their blood sugar, potentially reducing pregnancy complications.

How similar studies have performed: The iLet Bionic Pancreas is already FDA-approved and has shown success in managing type 1 diabetes in non-pregnant individuals, but its use in pregnancy is a new area of focus.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.