# SimulaBeta

> Continuous simulation program for insulin-glucose feedback control

**Wikidata**: [Q110377565](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110377565)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/simulabeta

## Summary
SimulaBeta is a continuous simulation program for insulin-glucose feedback control, developed as free software primarily for scientific research and education. It supports cross-platform operation on Linux, Windows, macOS, and other Unix-like systems, and is written in Object Pascal. The software has undergone multiple versions, with the latest stable release (3.1.2) incorporating improvements in modeling and data export capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Primary Function**: A continuous simulation tool for modeling insulin-glucose feedback systems.
- **Software Type**: Free, open-source application designed for research and education.
- **Platforms**: Runs on Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, ReactOS, and Mac OS operating systems.
- **Programming Language**: Developed using Object Pascal.
- **Licensing**: Distributed under BSD licenses.
- **Authorship**: Created by Johannes W. Dietrich.
- **Development Institutions**: University Hospital Ulm, Ruhr University Bochum, and University Hospitals of the Ruhr-University of Bochum.
- **Inception**: First developed in 2005.
- **Versions**: Released versions include 1.0 (alpha), 2.0, 2.1, 2.1.1, 2.2, 3.0, 3.0.1, 3.0.2, 3.1.0, 3.1.1, and 3.1.2 (latest stable).
- **File Formats**: Supports XML, tab-separated values, comma-separated values, and Data Interchange Format for data import/export.
- **GUI Frameworks**: Utilizes Windows API, GTK, Qt, Macintosh Toolbox, Carbon, Cocoa, and Lazarus Component Library.
- **Architectures**: Compatible with PowerPC, IA-32, ppc64, ARM architecture, Motorola 68000 family, A64, and Apple Silicon.
- **Source Code**: Available on SourceForge (using Apache Subversion) and GitHub.
- **Research Applications**: Used in studies on insulin sensitivity, beta cell function, and carbohydrate homeostasis.
- **Identifiers**: Registered with Research Resource Identifiers (RRID) as SCR_021900.
- **Collaborators**: Includes contributions from B O Boehm.

## FAQs
- **What is SimulaBeta used for?** SimulaBeta is primarily used for continuous simulation of insulin-glucose feedback systems in scientific research and educational settings.
- **On which operating systems can SimulaBeta run?** It supports Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, ReactOS, and Mac OS operating systems.
- **What programming language was SimulaBeta written in?** The software was developed using Object Pascal.
- **Who developed SimulaBeta?** Johannes W. Dietrich is the primary author, with contributions from B O Boehm.
- **What are the latest versions of SimulaBeta?** The latest stable versions are 3.1.2 (released 2023-06-29) and earlier releases including 3.1.1, 3.0.2, and 2.2.
- **Is SimulaBeta free software?** Yes, it is distributed under BSD licenses, allowing free use, modification, and distribution.
- **What file formats does SimulaBeta support?** It supports XML, tab-separated values, comma-separated values, and Data Interchange Format for data import/export.
- **Where can I find the source code for SimulaBeta?** The source code is available on SourceForge (using Apache Subversion) and GitHub.
- **What research studies have used SimulaBeta?** It has been used in studies on insulin sensitivity, beta cell function, and carbohydrate homeostasis, as referenced in academic publications.

## Why It Matters
SimulaBeta plays a critical role in biomedical research by providing a robust tool for simulating insulin-glucose feedback systems. Its continuous simulation capabilities allow researchers to model complex physiological processes, aiding in the understanding of diabetes management and metabolic regulation. The software's open-source nature fosters collaboration and innovation, enabling researchers to adapt and extend its functionality for specific studies. By supporting cross-platform operation and multiple file formats, SimulaBeta ensures accessibility and compatibility across different research environments. Its development by academic institutions underscores its relevance in academic and clinical settings, contributing to advancements in endocrinology and metabolic health.

## Notable For
- **First Release**: One of the earliest continuous simulation tools for insulin-glucose modeling, established in 2005.
- **Cross-Platform Support**: Unique in its ability to run on multiple operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- **Research Integration**: Featured in academic studies on insulin sensitivity, beta cell function, and carbohydrate homeostasis.
- **Open-Source Development**: Contributed to by academic institutions, ensuring alignment with scientific research standards.
- **Version History**: Maintained a detailed version history with significant updates, including improvements in modeling accuracy and data export capabilities.
- **Collaborative Development**: Involved contributions from multiple researchers, enhancing its robustness and functionality.

## Body
### Overview
SimulaBeta is a continuous simulation program designed for insulin-glucose feedback control, developed as free software. It was created by Johannes W. Dietrich and has been maintained with contributions from B O Boehm. The software is licensed under BSD licenses, allowing free use, modification, and distribution. SimulaBeta is primarily used in scientific research and education, supporting the modeling of complex physiological processes related to insulin and glucose metabolism.

### Development and History
SimulaBeta was first developed in 2005, with its initial version (1.0) released as an alpha version on May 7, 2005. Subsequent versions, including 2.0, 2.1, 2.1.1, 2.2, 3.0, 3.0.1, 3.0.2, 3.1.0, 3.1.1, and 3.1.2, were released with improvements in functionality and stability. The latest stable version, 3.1.2, was released on June 29, 2023. The software has been developed by academic institutions, including the University Hospital Ulm, Ruhr University Bochum, and University Hospitals of the Ruhr-University of Bochum.

### Technical Specifications
SimulaBeta is written in Object Pascal and supports multiple platforms, including Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, ReactOS, and Mac OS operating systems. It is compatible with various architectures, such as PowerPC, IA-32, ppc64, ARM architecture, Motorola 68000 family, A64, and Apple Silicon. The software utilizes GUI frameworks like Windows API, GTK, Qt, Macintosh Toolbox, Carbon, Cocoa, and Lazarus Component Library. SimulaBeta supports XML, tab-separated values, comma-separated values, and Data Interchange Format for data import and export.

### Research Applications
SimulaBeta has been used in research studies on insulin sensitivity, beta cell function, and carbohydrate homeostasis. It has been referenced in academic publications, including studies on the SPINA Carb model, a novel simple disposition index (SPINA-DI), and the implementation of CyberUnits Bricks for simulating nonlinear biological feedback loops. The software's research resource identifier is SCR_021900, indicating its recognition in the scientific community.

### Source Code and Distribution
The source code for SimulaBeta is available on SourceForge, using Apache Subversion, and on GitHub. The software's website is hosted on SourceForge, with additional information available through academic references. The project has been maintained with a detailed version history, including updates and improvements over its development timeline.

### Collaborations and Contributions
SimulaBeta has been developed with contributions from B O Boehm, enhancing its functionality and reliability. The software's development aligns with academic research standards, ensuring its relevance in scientific and clinical settings. Its open-source nature fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing researchers to adapt and extend its capabilities for specific studies.

## References

1. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/p/simulabeta/wiki/Version%20History/)
2. [Source](https://zenodo.org/record/5636189)
3. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/jwdietrich21/SimulaBeta)
4. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/projects/simulabeta/)