A History of Insulin Pumps: From Backpacks to Modern Technology

The original insulin pump was invented in the 1960s. The first model was the size of a backpack. Serious research to develop a more practical model began in 1980 and innovations continue even today.

Arnold Kadish Original Inventor

• When Arnold Kadish, M.D. presented the first insulin pump it was not marketable. In 1980 Al Mann collaborated with Johns Hopkins University and NASA to develop a viable and affordable model.

A Marketable Insulin Pump

• The first insulin pump was offered for sale in 1983. The cost was $3,000. Advances in electronics relating to the health care device industry led to the smaller size pump. They are now as small as a pager.

Automatic Infusion

• Automatic infusion sets are now available to painlessly insert in the correct subcutaneous position.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

• A system to show actual glucose values at five-minute intervals was developed by 2005. It improved glucose control and sounded a warning alarm when the levels were not optimal.

The Future

• Researchers are progressing towards a system advanced enough to actually simulate the functioning of a healthy pancreas.