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Implantable Glucose Sensor Successful in Pigs, Diabetic Humans Next
Thanks to new research, diabetics could one day have a long-term solution to glucose monitoring. According to Technology Review, researchers implanted glucose sensors in pigs, and have concluded that they worked successfully for two years. Now, David Gough, the bioengineer who founded the company behind the pig experiment, GlySens, is petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve his invention for testing in humans. If approved, this device, which has a diameter of 3 centimeters and is about 1-centimeter thick, could change the lives of diabetics. There are other implantable glucose-monitoring devices available to diabetics, but each one must be connected via a wire to a processing unit, which has to be carried by the person and replaced every week or so. Gough's model is unique. The sensor, which would be implanted in the chest, measures glucose levels in tissue, and sends the data to a wireless receiver (like a cell phone or compute), thereby eliminating the need to continually test blood sugar. If the human trials are permitted and yield similarly successful results, this sensor could be a long-term solution for diabetes sufferers.
We've seen our diabetic friends prick their fingers enough times to know a small implant would be a major improvement. Also, a device that continuously measures blood-sugar levels and gives accurate readings will allow users to see trends in their health (e.g., spikes in sugar during times of stress). That may mean longer, healthier and happier lives for those that currently invest large amounts of time and energy into insulin management. [From: Technology Review]
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Comments
63
Subscribe to commentslilamaru33Aug 2nd 2010 3:56AM
20 years ago my mother died due to complications of type2 diabetes. I have had type 2 for the past ten years. I see no progress; all is just hit or miss as most doctors don't know the first thing about diabetes. I am always so frustrated that diabetics do not all get together and demand for a cure or better SAFER treatment for this horrible disease. Diabetes has been around for centuries with very little change in its treatment. Aids has been around only 30 or so years--and how is aids diagnosed today? with a swab of your mouth. Why can the scientists not come out with something like that for us to test our blood sugar. Because they make a hell of a lot more money with test strips, the lancets, alcohol swabs, meters, etc. And when you get gangrene and all the doctors can do is tell you they have to cut off your limbs. So you call the American Diabetes Association, and you ask who is the best doctor in the US for gangrene and they just tell you that the ADA does not deal with that and they do no recommend any doctor. How pathetic!! Unless this disease is in your family, people have no idea what a horrible disease this is. It is just as bad as cancer. I think all diabetics should get together and go to congress and demand funds for better treatment and a possible cure. I was told when my mother was in the hospital, that the drug companies, doctors, hospitals really do not want to find good treatment or cures for diabetes because of all the money they make--think about--not just the testing but number of doctors we support as a result of all the side disease--from getting a foot doctor to cut your toenails to stroke and heart specialists--amputations--and all the medicines and all the hospitals stays. This runs into billions.
PendatAug 3rd 2010 10:44PM
My husband has had diabetes since 1951! I have seen the changes from the boiling of the old large needles, keeping the insulin cold while traveling, poking his fingers until they are so callused. It's hard to get the blood at times because of all the "scar tissue" on the finger tips. He is still very active at age 68 yr. and he has a pump, also a great help as the decease progresses through the years. Those who are "new" to the treatments of this progressive health problem should be very thankful for all the advancements that have come through the past decades!! But I also believe a blessing from God has been the care and treatment he has received from day one through his mother to this day from family and the doctors who have chosen to specialize in this decease.
CollegeGirlAug 25th 2011 2:23PM
I love this idea for the TYPE 1 -- they need this more than anyone.
Type 2 can manage this disease with diet and exercise.
My brother is NO longer on any medication. he was previously on PILLS but managed it VERY WELL with diet AND exercise.
He is free from having to pay for this and be strapped down to taking anything which ruined his schedule. For a chance to get off medication is the greatest thing ANYONE can do for themselves. The burden that it places on insurance rates also. My dad manages his with pills, exercise AND diet.
My brother warned his friend to get off the junky fast-food and mexican food and to eat healthy and to exercise daily -- he would just laugh at the warning, well -- he had a toe cut off.
I have thyroid disease and would love to know that I could get off pills by taking care of myself with diet AND exercise.
I don't know how anyone can continue to WANT to abuse their body and mistreat it with diet and lack of exercise.
When I found out that my weight soared from 103-177 because of a disease I was so overwhelmed and angry so I IMMEDIATELY began exercising as soon as I got put on the pills -- pills I will have to take to survive!!
Now, TYPE 2 have a choice to get off pills AND insulin!!