Model based control of artificial pancreas under meal disturbances

In this paper, a model based feedback control system equivalent to the functioning of a natural pancreas in human body is designed to monitor and control its blood glucose level (BGL). For a diabetic patient, an insulin dose is required to maintain the glycemic control. The idea of an artificial pancreas consists of a glucagon pump and an insulin infusion, through which glucagon/insulin is entered into the patient's body, based on the most recent blood glucose level (BGL) as sensed by the continuous blood glucose monitoring. Initially, the system response is tested by applying a step input and then a PID controller is tuned for keeping glucose level within the safe ranges. Multiple classical and advanced controllers have been tested to figure out the best result. Optimal performance requirements are achieved with an MPC controller and glucose level tracking is performed under unknown but realistic exogenous meal disturbance. The simulation results show that the patient safety can be enhanced through implementing a real-time MPC strategy.