In recent years there have been several promising technologies for a truly non-invasive way to check blood for those with diabetes but all have fallen short of expectations. But, a new clinical study using the eye to measure glucose may eventually lead to a breakthrough for non-invasive glucose testing.
The study tested a device called the I-SugarX™ and is a non-invasive, handheld, ocular instrument that measures glucose in the watery substance near the front of the eye that fills the space between the lens and the cornea. In clinical trials with animals it accurately tracked glucose levels within the levels considered to be the current "gold standard" used for glucose meters. It has been known for some time that the eye can be a reliable means of checking the body's glucose, but the technology to consistently and accurately track these levels has been lacking.
The San Diego-based company Freedom Meditech is behind the I-SugarX™ non-invasive glucose monitoring system. They intend to begin human clinical trials in the near future.
How much would you be willing to pay for this technology if it were available and reliable? In other words, since it probably would not have testing strips, the company would not have a product to create ongoing revenue and may charge a higher price for the device. How much would you be willing to spend to end the multiple finger pricks each day? Post your comments below.
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The real question is, how much would my insurer be willing to pay?
Also, I would not find this of much value unless there would be a way for it to monitor glucose continuously and transmit the data to my insulin pump.
The lack of an accurate continuous blood glucose monitor is what prevents the Holy Grail of type I diabetes management to be achieved: a closed-loop system for controlling blood sugar levels.
Most of these non-invasive technologies wouldn’t get us any close to this elusive goal.
My wife use to say to me when I had low blood sugar. got test you’re blood sugar is low. I use to ask how she knew and she would tell me that she could see it in my eyes. She could’nt give me a number to enter into my log book but she was right 99 times out of a 100.