The institute was founded by Prof. Dr. med. Dres. h.c. Ernst Friedrich Pfeiffer in September 1986. His aim was to develop an artificial, portable pancreas which could automatically regulate the therapy of diabetes and mitigate severe consequential effects for the patients. Already in the 1970s, the diabetes pioneer was significantly involved in the development of an artificial pancreas, known as Biostator. This device continuously measures venous blood glucose and can deliver insulin as well as glucagon into the vein. To this day, the system has its significance in study centers.
The IfDT has also become known in international expert circles for the “Ulmer Zuckeruhr” (Ulm sugar watch) which is a system for continuous subcutaneous glucose measurement. Since the end of 1990, there were prototypes available for studies. The system, which is based on microdialysis, was unfortunately never brought to the market since it was too complex for patient everyday use.
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