The FDA approves the first artificial pancreas. The device is an automated insulin pump, known as the MiniMed 670G. It was developed by medical device company Medtronic for patients with Type 1 diabetes. The MiniMed is the size of a cell phone. It monitors a patient's blood sugar levels and delivers insulin as needed. This means type-1 diabetes sufferers won't have to prick their fingers to check their blood sugar levels and then inject insulin.

The device has a sensor that measures blood sugar levels, an insulin pump strapped to the body and an infusion patch with a catheter that delivers insulin. The FDA approved the device for people 14 years and older with type 1 diabetes. The system won't be available until spring.