VALIDATION OF A METABOLIC PROTOTYPE TO ASSIST IN THE TREATMENT OF INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS

This paper describes the principles and prototyping of a computer syst em to assist in the treatment of patients with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus. The system adopts a mixed approach involving ru le-based qualitative algebra and a dynamic mathematical model to defin e the relationships between insulin dosage, diet and glycaemic respons e. The rule-based system (KBS), implemented in PROLOG, can be used to generate qualitative therapeutic advice. These suggestions are quantif ied and rank-ordered by the use of a mathematical model of glucose-ins ulin interaction in type 1 diabetes mellitus, with parameters adjusted for individual patients. In this paper an overview of the integrated prototype, linking the KBS and model, is provided and a case study use d to demonstrate the principles of the system in operation. The result s of verification and validation work performed on the KBS are describ ed.