Handheld Breathalyzer As Noninvasive Blood Glucose Monitor In Development, Western New England University Study
Researchers from the Western New England University developed a device the size of a small book that diabetes patients can use to monitor their blood glucose levels. Unlike traditional finger-stick testing, this minimally invasive breathalyzer uses acetone levels in patients’ breath to determine blood glucose levels.
The team, led by Ronny Priefer and Michael Rust, presented their work at this year’s American Assn. of Pharmaceutical Scientists meeting in Denver.
Although finger stick testing has improved in recent years, the team said that as many as 67% of patients with diabetes may not properly monitor their condition because the testing is invasive and can be painful. Keeping a close eye on blood glucose levels is important for diabetic patients, because if someone’s blood glucose is too low, they can endure complications such as seizures, loss of consciousness and even death.
The team, led by Ronny Priefer and Michael Rust, presented their work at this year’s American Assn. of Pharmaceutical Scientists meeting in Denver.
Although finger stick testing has improved in recent years, the team said that as many as 67% of patients with diabetes may not properly monitor their condition because the testing is invasive and can be painful. Keeping a close eye on blood glucose levels is important for diabetic patients, because if someone’s blood glucose is too low, they can endure complications such as seizures, loss of consciousness and even death.