Device Provides Accurate, Noninvasive Way to Measure Blood Glucose in Diabetics

WebMD Health News

Nov. 11, 1999 (Los Angeles) -- Diabetics may soon have a new device that makes frequent, automatic, painless, and accurate glucose measurements possible to help them maintain close control of their condition. This tight glucose monitoring could help prevent the serious complications of this disease. The device, called the GlucoWatch® automatic glucose biographer, is expected to be available by the summer of 2000.

GlucoWatch works through a process called iontophoresis, in which the application of a mild electric current to the skin promotes the transport of glucose through the skin, where the device can sense and measure it. The device can be strapped to the forearm like a watch and takes about 20 minutes to come up with an accurate glucose reading. It is designed to measure glucose three times an hour for up to 12 hours.

In a study published in the Nov. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, investigators at two diabetes centers and three contract research organizations around the country studied 155 GlucoWatches in 92 adults who had diabetes. Sixty-three subjects wore two devices. Up to three measurements were obtained each hour and compared to glucose measurements taken from blood samples obtained twice an hour from the fingertip. Diet and insulin, the medicine diabetics use to control their glucose levels, were manipulated to produce a broad range of blood glucose levels.

According to the authors, led by Janet A. Tamada, PhD, of Cygnus Inc., in Redwood City, Calif., one of the greatest potential advantages of this device is its ability to determine trends and patterns in glucose concentration. This will allow the patient to keep his or her glucose levels within tight limits and avoid the large swings that can occur when the condition is not under optimal control. They conclude that the accuracy of this device compares well with that of devices that are currently available. Cygnus Inc. is the company that developed the GlucoWatch.

"The [GlucoWatch] biographer is designed to work in 12-hour cycles, so patients would only have to wear it at night" or during any other period in which they wanted to keep careful watch over their glucose levels," says Russell Potts, PhD, vice president of research at Cygnus.

Other than mild skin irritation where the device is worn, there are no adverse effects. However, wearing the device during exercise or very hot weather could be "a problem because there's a lot of glucose in sweat," which could distort the reading. Therefore, he tells WebMD, the device has been "designed to measure sweat." At a certain sweat level, the biographer will stop measuring glucose until sweating subsides. "We'd rather tell people it's not measuring, rather than give them a reading that's way wrong."

Cygnus expects to have the biographer on the market by next summer. It will be available in drugstores, by prescription only, and should sell for about $400.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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