A Revolutionary new skin patch that
checks glucose levels every 60 seconds could provide a completely
pain-free way of monitoring diabetes. The high-tech patch performs round
the-clock measurements and beams the readings to a handheld monitor, no
bigger than a mobile phone. The device, which is expected to be available
in the U.K. later this year, does away with the daily routine of painful
finger-prick tests to measure changes in glucose. It is also hoped it will
allow diabetics to control their glucose levels more easily, reducing the
long-term risks of heart disease, blindness and kidney damage.
Additionally, the patch is programmed to sound an alarm if blood glucose
rises or falls to dangerous levels. <> Diabetes affects around 1.8 million
people in the U.K. The disease develops when the body's insulin production
fails, so the amount of glucose in the blood is too high.
Pain-free glucose testing systems are
something scientists have been striving to achieve for many years. <>One
device already available is a watch that tests blood sugar levels every 20
minutes over a 12-hour period. Called GlucoWatch, it uses a tiny electric
current to draw glucose out of the skin on to a special gel, before giving
an instant reading. But while this device is not intended to replace
regular blood tests, the newest patch technology mentioned above is
believed to be so accurate it may replace finger-prick samples. Called the
Freestyle Navigator, it has been developed by U.S. firm Abbott
Laboratories. A miniature sensor is first implanted just under the skin on
the upper arm or tummy by the patient, using a specially-designed
spring-loaded device. Over the top of this goes a patch that is about the
same size as a sticking plaster, containing a tiny transmitter. The sensor
constantly detects glucose levels in the body's interstitial fluid which
circulates between cells - and the transmitter sends the information to
the handheld monitor, which is small enough to be carried in a pocket or
purse. The manufacturer hopes to get European marketing approval later
this year.
HOW IT WORKS
-
1 Sensor is placed under skin in arm
-
Glucose levels measured minute by
minute by sensor
-
Transmitter patch beams readings back
to handheld monitor
Source Financial Times
Information Limited
