People with diabetes are one step closer to more easily checking their blood glucose levels with a noninvasive device for detecting and monitoring blood glucose levels currently in development. The handheld breathalyzer device detects acetone, which has been linked to high blood glucose levels in the breath.
As many as 67 percent of people with diabetes may not comply with finger-stick testing because it is invasive and somewhat painful. Yet, lack of glucose monitoring can result in serious diabetes-related complications. For example, if a person’s blood glucose is too low, complications can include seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death. If a person’s blood glucose is too high, complications can include infections, cardiovascular disease, nerve and kidney damage, and amputation.
Ronny Priefer, PhD, and his colleague, Michael Rust, PhD, at Western New England University, have developed a device-currently the size of small book-that individuals blow into to check their blood glucose levels.
When patients blow into the device, readings are immediately taken. The acetone level is instantly correlated to a blood glucose level, which allows patients to determine how much insulin they need to take when their glucose levels are high.
Priefer’s goal is to have a device available by the end of 2017.
This article was adapted from information provided by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS).
