An implantable sensor to measure glucose, new promise for diabetics
The device has demonstrated a very long autonomy in several tests
Cristina G. Lucio |Madrid
Good news for people with diabetes.An American team has developed an implantable sensor capable of continuously measuring glucose levels and transmitting these data without cables - through telemetry - to an external receiver.The device, tested in animals, worked successfully for approximately one year autonomously, which is a significant technological advance.
For diabetic patients it is vital to know the amount of sugar they have in blood.This data allows them to properly adjust their diet, exercise and insulin doses they need to live.
The vast majority measures their glucose levels several times a day, through a simple analysis of a drop of their own blood.The method is uncomfortable and only allows to know the amount of blood sugar periodically, so in recent years devices capable of measuring these values continuously have been developed.However, these devices must be inserted through needles and replace every few days, so its use is not too widespread.
The investigation
According to the creators of the new device, whose data is published in the latest issue of the magazine 'Science Translational Medicine', its alternative allows to overcome these pitfalls, since it better controls rejection and its autonomy is prolonged.
These researchers, led by David Gough, bioengineer from the University of California (USA), tested the effectiveness of the method in two pigs that carried the device under the skin for a total of 222 and 520 days respectively.
Initially (352 days in the first copy and 16 in the second), the animals were healthy so the device measured their glucose levels in normal conditions.Then, the pigs were caused a diabetic state- through the administration of Ruetozotocina- during a period that lasted 168 days in the first individual and 206 in the second.
The implant, 3.4 centimeters in diameter and 1.5 cm thick, continued to work successfully and send the data through radiofrequency signals to an external receiver.
Sensor details
By analysis of a certain enzyme, oxidase glucose, among other measurements, this device is capable of determining the glucose level present in the subcutaneous tissue, a value that can be subsequently correlated with the amount of blood sugar, the measure they useDiabetics to control their treatment.
This 'translation' of values causes a delay in the sensor-about 11 minutes in sugar climbs and about six in the descents.However, researchers say that this delay does not have to hinder adequate glucose control.
It coincides with its point of view Enric Esmatjes, endocrinologist at the Clinic Hospital of Barcelona and researcher at the Biomedical Research Center of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM).
For this specialist, the main advantage of this new device is the duration."Until now it had not been possible to develop any method that was effective for so long. Having something that can last a year implies a great advantage," he emphasizes.
However, in his opinion, the future of this sensor does not go through a solo life, but as part of an internal device [there are already some combinations of external use] that not only allows the patient to control their glucose levels, but alsodirectly adjust your insulin dose.
"If you get to attach both methods we would be before the artificial pancreas," says this expert.A challenge after which,Ensure, there are numerous research groups.
At the moment, this device must be proven effectively and safety in humans to achieve the approval of regulatory agencies.
