Glucose Meter: Diabetes is happening for so many in the United States and diabetics must monitor glucose levels to make sure that their glucose levels are under control. And now, doing so has become much easier but people are still wondering about the “ouch” factor. Researchers reveal that since many glucose monitors are in fact requiring less blood that means it is less painful. Although the “ouch” factor may never really go away.
However, that hasn’t stop researchers who are hard at work trying to find ways to help take the ouch out of blood glucose testing. They are developing special contact lenses, fluorescent tattoos, infrared devices and smart sensors that can decipher glucose levels without it being a painful venture. Researchers are looking at ways that a person can test their blood sugar levels without even pricking their finger and after ten years of watching over operations carefully, they believe an answer has developed.
Guenther Boden, MD, chief of endocrinology at Temple University School of Medicine states, “The GlucoWatch Biographer seemed like the answer. The underside of the watch has a membrane that can suck interstitial fluid through the skin; get ‘juice’ out of skin, so to speak. And that’s what you need to measure glucose; you need to get some body fluid. The technology seems to work. But skin irritation has been a problem for some people.”
While the skin irritation has been a problem, it is quickly being corrected said the maker of the product, Audrey Finkelstein, a spokeswoman for Animas Corporation. She states, “We are presently working on Biographer III, which will combine the Biographer with tiny micro needles that will extract fluid to provide a better blood sample than is possible with other technologies. It will also greatly reduce or even eradicate skin irritation.”
The Glocowatch will not only help patients to test their glucose levels without pain, it can also alert patients when their blood glucose hits a dangerous level, such as when diabetic patients are sleeping, which is when many patients have an extreme drop in their blood sugar.
Finkelstein says, “It’s a dangerous thing for people to buy a product like this, thinking they won’t need to do finger sticks anymore. You simply can’t replace finger stick testing if you want to be safe and healthy.”
Alternatively, there is another device that is being looked at and referred to as the “Guardian.” It is a continuous glucose monitoring device and has been approved by the FDA. However, it is said to no be a device that is patient-friendly. However, it does provide downloadable information to doctors in 72-hour glucose monitoring trends. However, it does not give immediate readings and some nighttime readings can be inaccurate.
The two devices can be helpful to the patient who hates to prick their finger, although they may not be the best at actually monitoring great, regular blood sugar level. It is definitely worth the time to consult with your doctor before trying out a new monitor.
You can sign up for a free glucose meter with the form at the top of the page or visit diabeticlive.com.