Digital twins and artificial intelligence in metabolic disease research

• Published in: Trends in endocrinology and metabolism 2024-06, Vol.35 (6), p.549-557
• Main Authors: Mosquera-Lopez, Clara, Jacobs, Peter G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Artificial Intelligence; diabetes; digital twin; Humans; Metabolic Diseases - genetics; Metabolic Diseases - metabolism; metabolism; nutrition; Precision Medicine - methods; Twins
• ISSN: 1043-2760; 1879-3061; 1879-3061
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.04.019

Management of metabolic disorders involves continuous monitoring of physiology. The growing use of glucose sensors, insulin pumps, and other wearable devices, as well as smartphone-based decision support apps, generates large amounts of real-time data, making diabetes a data-rich domain conducive to digital twin implementation.Mechanistic models of glucose–insulin dynamics have been developed in diabetes research, providing a solid foundation for developing digital twin representations of individual patients' metabolic processes.Artificial intelligence (AI) will play a role in improving the accuracy of digital twin technologies and enable their adaptation and personalization.Case studies have demonstrated that personalized approaches that leverage digital twin technology hold promise for optimizing the management of diabetes by tailoring interventions to individual patients’ needs and characteristics. Digital twin technology is emerging as a transformative paradigm for personalized medicine in the management of chronic conditions. In this article, we explore the concept and key characteristics of a digital twin and its applications in chronic non-communicable metabolic disease management, with a focus on diabetes case studies. We cover various types of digital twin models, including mechanistic models based on ODEs, data-driven ML algorithms, and hybrid modeling strategies that combine the strengths of both approaches. We present successful case studies demonstrating the potential of digital twins in improving glucose outcomes for individuals with T1D and T2D, and discuss the benefits and challenges of translating digital twin research applications to clinical practice. Digital twin technology is emerging as a transformative paradigm for personalized medicine in the management of chronic conditions. In this article, we explore the concept and key characteristics of a digital twin and its applications in chronic non-communicable metabolic disease management, with a focus on diabetes case studies. We cover various types of digital twin models, including mechanistic models based on ODEs, data-driven ML algorithms, and hybrid modeling strategies that combine the strengths of both approaches. We present successful case studies demonstrating the potential of digital twins in improving glucose outcomes for individuals with T1D and T2D, and discuss the benefits and challenges of translating digital twin research applications to clinical practice.