Scientists Yes But Were Mostly Human
PROFESSOR WERNER MÃNTELE
Werner is a professor of biophysics at the Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main. He has over 30 years of experience with spectroscopy. He is also an expert in analyzing and detecting molecules like glucose. Werner invented our technology and he is one of the co-founders of DiaMonTech.
THORSTEN LUBINSKI
Thorsten is an experienced entrepreneur who has successfully built, developed, and sold several companies.He is a computer engineer with an MBA and a specialization in medical software.
DR. RAINER GITH
Rainer has his own law firm and he supports DiaMonTech in all legal matters, with a focus on financing and IP. His area of expertise is hardware-focused startups.
SERGIUS JANIK
Sergius is the COO and links the scientific with the business parts. He is a physicist and has experience with startups in health and the fintech/event industry.
DR. MICHAEL KALUZA
Michael is a physicist with expertise in regulatory and public affairs for medical technology. For DiaMonTech, he drives the scientific progress and takes care of regulatory questions.
DR. LUCA CANINI
Luca is a data scientist with experience in both academia and industry. He works on all data aspects, ranging from predictive modeling to acquisition and validation.
DR. MATTIA SAITA
Mattia is a physicist with a background in infrared spectroscopy of biomolecules. At DiaMonTech, he runs the optical lab and is part of the R& D team.
MENGZHI GUO
Diabetes Testing And Monitoring
If you have diabetes, blood glucose monitoring can help you keep your glucose levels within a target range by balancing food, exercise and insulin, reducing your chances of diabetes complications. A range of testing and monitoring equipment is available to help people manage their diabetes. Your doctor or diabetes nurse or educator can advise you on the most appropriate equipment for you and your situation.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recommends that if you have type 2 diabetes and take oral medication only, you should talk to your doctor or specialist about the need to test your blood sugar levels at home, as most people in this situation do not need to do this type of monitoring. For further information, visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website.
How Does A Continuous Glucose Monitor Work
A CGM works through a tiny sensor inserted under your skin, usually on your belly or arm. The sensor measures your interstitial glucose level, which is the glucose found in the fluid between the cells. The sensor tests glucose every few minutes. A transmitter wirelessly sends the information to a monitor.
The monitor may be part of an insulin pump or a separate device, which you might carry in a pocket or purse. Some CGMs send information directly to a smartphone or tablet. Several models are available and are listed in the American Diabetes Associations product guide.
Don’t Miss: What Causes Blood Platelets To Be Low
Options With Advanced Features
Some glucose meters have advanced features that may make it easier for you to keep track of your blood sugar levels. You can find models that read your blood sugar readings aloud or that give off an audible tone or chime when blood sugar levels are above or below normal levels. To simplify tracking your numbers, some meters store your last reading or have built-in memory to store days’or months’ worth of readings. You can also find Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled glucometers that transmit data to your smartphone, tablet or computer so that you can review it later and share it with your doctor.
Who Can Use A Cgm
Most people who use CGMs have type 1 diabetes. Research is underway to learn how CGMs might help people with type 2 diabetes.
CGMs are approved for use by adults and children with a doctors prescription. Some models may be used for children as young as age 2. Your doctor may recommend a CGM if you or your child:
- are on intensive insulin therapy, also called tight blood sugar control
- have hypoglycemia unawareness
- often have high or low blood glucose
Your doctor may suggest using a CGM system all the time or only for a few days to help adjust your diabetes care plan.
Read Also: How Much Is Unit Of Blood
Noninvasive Methods Of Blood Glucose Monitoring
With biotechnology advancements, companies are developing noninvasive blood sugar monitoring methods. Recent technologies, still under investigation, include:
- D-Base, with a tabletop sensor that you place your finger on
- GlucoTrack, with a sensor that you clip onto your finger or earlobe
- , with a sensor that you place in the inner eyelid
- SugarBEAT, with a sensor in the form of a patch that you wear on the skin
- GlucoWise, with a sensor that you hold between your thumb and index finger
What Should I Do After I Check My Blood Glucose
Write the blood glucose number in a log book or on a log sheet , and:
- Include all of your blood glucose numbers.
- Write a comment if there is a reason the blood glucose is above or below target.
- Take your blood glucose meter with you when you are away from home.
- Know your blood glucose numbers when you call the clinic or the doctor.
- Bring your blood glucose meter and blood glucose records to all your appointments.
- Bring a list of any questions that you may have.
Recommended Reading: Blood Sugar Increase Symptoms
Also Check: What Does It Mean When Cough Up Blood
Cost Of Buying A Freestyle Libre
The cost of Freestyle Libre or Freestyle Libre 2 sensors are around £50 every 2 weeks. If you have a compatible smartphone you can just and use your phone to scan the sensor to see the readings. But if you dont, you can buy a small device called a reader, for around £50 and this is a one-off purchase. Speak to your healthcare professional about where you can buy a reader from they can be available direct from the manufacturer , from a pharmacy or online but this can change.
Constant Blood Glucose Monitoring
The new system, cutely named the Flash, is made up of a small plastic sensor and a mobile device. The sensor is placed just below the skin surface and analyzes the blood directly. People can insert the sensor themselves with an included applicator.
It takes about 12 hours for the sensor to acclimate to your blood data, though can last up to 10 days. Once inserted, the sensor continuously monitors blood sugar levels until replaced. The data can easily be collected by waving a mobile device over the insert. The data will upload to the device and provide accurate and immediate results.
To replace it, you simply peel the sensor off and stick a new one on.
This device can be absolutely life-saving for many diabetics, particularly those with type 1 diabetes.
It is also especially helpful for those with type 2 diabetes, as many complications from type 2 diabetes can be avoided with stabilized glucose levels.
Another needleless system already exists, though it requires a doctors visit every two weeks. The benefit of this new system is that it comes with an applicator, making it more approachable from home.
This product is fairly new to the US as it was only recently approved by the FDA. The price point hasnt been set yet, though they typically go for about $70 in Europe. If youre interested in using this needleless system, talk to your doctor right away.
Quartz. URL Link. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
Read Also: What Is Mpv On Blood Work
How To Test Your Blood Sugar At Home
Follow these steps:
Read Also: What Is The Best Sugar Free Syrup
Keep Track Of Your Testing Strips
Make sure your strips arent expired. Out-of-date strips arent guaranteed to return true results. Old strips and inaccurate results may affect your daily log of blood glucose numbers, and your doctor may think theres a problem when there really isnt.
Also, keep the strips out of sunlight and away from moisture. Its best to keep them at room temperature or cooler, but not freezing.
Recommended Reading: How Much Sugar In Twisted Tea Light
Read Also: Massive Blood Clots With Period
Getting Insurance For Your Cgm Or Freestyle Libre
Like all types of tech, looking after it and things like making sure the batteries are charged is important. Because electronic devices are expensive, you may wonder whether to get insurance to cover it in case you lose or break it. Before taking our separate insurance, its worth seeing if you can have it as a named item on your household insurance. This might be a cheaper and simpler option.
When To Talk With A Pro
Testing your blood sugar is crucial to diabetes management. Using a meter or continuous glucose monitoring can provide accurate results. But you might seek a pain-free method to check blood sugar.
Talk with your doctor or a certified diabetes educator. You might be a candidate for a glucose monitoring device that involves fewer finger pricks or no finger pricks.
Additionally, making a few adjustments in the way you collect your blood sample might reduce the level of pain and discomfort.
Read Also: Red Cross Blood Donor Login
How Often Should I Test My Blood Sugar Level
Your family doctor will recommend how often you should test. Testing times are based on the kind of medicine you take and on how well your blood sugar levels are controlled. Youll probably need to check your blood sugar more often at first. Youll also check it more often when you feel sick or stressed, when you change your medicine, or if youre pregnant.
Cgms Used By The Nhs Or To Buy
The Freestyle Libre 3 is a CGM which is available on the NHS but not yet available to buy.
These are some of the other CGMs available:
Dexcom One licensed for those aged two and over
Dexcom G6 licensed for those aged two and over
Dexcom G5 licensed for those aged two and over
Glucomenday licensed for those aged six and over
Guardiam Connect no age restriction
Some CGMs work with insulin pumps – see information on these integrated systems.
You May Like: Gas And Blood In Stool
Finding The Most Convenient Blood Glucose Meter For You
Bringing more convenience to your diabetes management is the most effective way to make sure you stay on track with your treatment plan. An all-in-one glucose monitor makes checking your blood sugar easier, more discreet, and more comfortable, which helps you test more regularly to better manage your diabetes.
How The Freestyle Libre Works
The FreeStyle Libre system provides real-time glucose readings every minute, 24 hours a day. There are two systems to choose from:
- Freestyle Libre 14-day system
- Freestyle Libre 2 system
The FreeStyle Libre is a newer-generation CGM that doesn’t require a bulky transmitter. Instead, a small, water-resistant sensor with a tiny probe is placed on the back of the arm using the provided applicator.
The FreeStyle Libre tests the fluid in the space around cells, which is just as effective for glucose monitoring as blood from capillaries .
One hour after applying the sensor, the system is ready to go. The sensor takes a glucose reading every 60 seconds. A separate reader device remotely captures and records the readings on demand. You can then view the results individually or see how glucose levels trend over time.
To get a reading, place the reader within 1.5 inches from the sensor. You can scan the sensor as often as you’d like, but it is recommended that you perform a scan at least once every eight hours. .
The sensor can be worn for up to 14 days and store 90 days’ worth of results. After 14 days, the sensor stops working and needs to be replaced.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 is also equipped with an alarm to notify you if your glucose levels are too high or too low. The original FreeStyle Libre 14-Day does not have this feature.
Recommended Reading: High Red Blood Cell Count Meaning
How We Chose Glucose Monitors And Meters
Above all, we included glucose monitors that are reportedly the most accurate. Since home meters are designed to help you monitor your glucose in between laboratory work from your doctors visits, its important that your device provides the most accurate results possible.
While no home test will be as accurate as a lab version, getting as close as possible to the quality of such tests can help provide peace of mind as well as better diabetes management.
Other items we looked at include:
We included glucose meters across a variety of features and price points. The cost of CGMs and blood glucose meters can vary widely based on their features, your insurance coverage, and location. Cost is also subject to change over time based on the type of insurance you have, so be sure to check with your carrier for the most accurate price.
What Is Flash Glucose Sensor Technology
Flash glucose monitoring is sensor technology that enables you to test your glucose levels without pricking your finger. This technology is available in FreeStyle Libre and FreeStyle Libre 2. The system has two parts. A small white disc is positioned on the back of the upper arm. This holds the sensor, which is worn just under the skin. And, a reader which when held over the sensor, gives a glucose reading.
Don’t Miss: Percy Jackson Camp Half Blood
Where Can I Test My Blood Sugar Besides My Finger
The finger is the most reliable area for a person to test their blood sugar. However, some monitors may allow for alternate site testing. These alternate sites may include the palm, upper forearm, abdomen, calf, and thigh.
A person should always check the instructions on their blood glucose monitor to check if this is possible before performing alternate site testing.
Random Blood Sugar Test
This measures your blood sugar at the time youre tested. You can take this test at any time and dont need to fast first. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.
| 140 mg/dL or below | N/A |
*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if youre being tested for gestational diabetes.Source: American Diabetes Association
If your doctor thinks you have type 1 diabetes, your blood may also tested for autoantibodies that are often present in type 1 diabetes but not in type 2 diabetes. You may have your urine tested for ketones , which also indicate type 1 diabetes instead of type 2 diabetes.
Recommended Reading: How To Stop Ringing In Ears From High Blood Pressure
Why You Should Check Your Blood Sugar
Testing blood glucose can help you manage diabetes by showing you:
- How well your diabetes treatment plan is working
- How exercise and food affect your blood sugar levels
- How things like stress and illness affect your levels
- How well your diabetes medication is working
- When your blood sugar levels are too high or too low
What Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Continuous glucose monitoring automatically tracks blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, throughout the day and night. You can see your glucose level anytime at a glance. You can also review how your glucose changes over a few hours or days to see trends. Seeing glucose levels in real time can help you make more informed decisions throughout the day about how to balance your food, physical activity, and medicines.
Recommended Reading: Dexter: New Blood Episode 5
Blood Sugar Testing Equipment
Testing your blood glucose level is the only accurate way of knowing whether it is too high or low. You cannot accurately judge your blood sugar level just by how you feel.
You can check your blood sugar level using the following equipment:
- Blood glucose meter a finger-prick device is used to draw a drop of blood from your finger, which you put on a special stick. You then use the meter to see how much glucose is in the blood.
- Flash glucose monitoring this system uses sensor technology to test glucose levels without needing to prick a finger. A sensor worn on the back of the arm connects to a reader or mobile phone application, which stores your glucose levels day and night.
- Continuous glucose monitoring device a sensor is placed under the skin, which measures your glucose levels 24 hours a day. CGM is useful for people who have ongoing problems controlling their blood sugar level. The cost, including consumables , is around $5,000 per year.
The Australian Government provides access to subsidised continuous and flash glucose monitoring products through the National Diabetes Services Scheme .
Products that are subsidised by the NDSS, such as needles, syringes, blood glucose monitoring strips, urine monitoring strips and insulin pump consumables, are available from NDSS Access Points, usually your local community pharmacy.
Troubleshooting Information For Freestyle Libre2 Users
We know that lots of people have been reporting issues they’ve been having with the Freestyle Libre 2.
We previously collated some of these issues and fed this back to Abbott who have provided us with some ‘Top Tips’ for issues with Libre 2 alarms.
If you have any concerns or specific issues with your Freestyle Libre2, please contact Abbott directly via their Libre2 support pages. Or use the Abbott guides we’re sharing below.
Read Also: Dexter: New Blood Season 2