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Cardiff University microwave device to help diabetics | Cardiff University microwave device to help diabetics |
(6 days later) | |
Scientists have created a portable blood glucose measure for diabetics which uses microwaves instead of pricking the skin. | Scientists have created a portable blood glucose measure for diabetics which uses microwaves instead of pricking the skin. |
Currently, diabetics have to test their blood several times a day or use inserted devices known as continuous blood glucose monitors (CGMs). | Currently, diabetics have to test their blood several times a day or use inserted devices known as continuous blood glucose monitors (CGMs). |
But a new monitor created by Cardiff University's School of Engineering can be discreetly stuck on to the skin. | But a new monitor created by Cardiff University's School of Engineering can be discreetly stuck on to the skin. |
Prof Adrian Porch said: "It will help with the management of the condition." | Prof Adrian Porch said: "It will help with the management of the condition." |
He added: "Conventional methods of monitoring blood glucose require the extraction of blood. | He added: "Conventional methods of monitoring blood glucose require the extraction of blood. |
"Our device is non-invasive - it does not require the extraction of blood apart from the initial calibration." | "Our device is non-invasive - it does not require the extraction of blood apart from the initial calibration." |
Prof Porch said the monitor, developed with Dr Jan Beutler and Dr Heungjae Choi, can be stuck on to the arm or side of the body using an adhesive. | |
It also has a longer shelf-life because it is not chemical in its action. | It also has a longer shelf-life because it is not chemical in its action. |
The data it collects can then be monitored continuously on a computer or mobile app. | The data it collects can then be monitored continuously on a computer or mobile app. |
And while the idea of sticking a microwave emitter to someone's body may sound disconcerting, Prof Porch said it s entirely safe. | And while the idea of sticking a microwave emitter to someone's body may sound disconcerting, Prof Porch said it s entirely safe. |
"It uses microwaves, but the levels are very, very low. Nowhere near the levels used in domestic cooking. | "It uses microwaves, but the levels are very, very low. Nowhere near the levels used in domestic cooking. |
"Think about a mobile phone, we're about a thousand times less than that level." | "Think about a mobile phone, we're about a thousand times less than that level." |
Prof Stephen Luzio, of Swansea University's College of Medicine, carries out clinical research into diabetes and has overseen trials on about 50 patients using the device - with more planned this summer. | Prof Stephen Luzio, of Swansea University's College of Medicine, carries out clinical research into diabetes and has overseen trials on about 50 patients using the device - with more planned this summer. |
He said: "Patients are very keen on this. One of the big problems with patients measuring their glucose is they don't like pricking their finger, so there's a lot of interest." | He said: "Patients are very keen on this. One of the big problems with patients measuring their glucose is they don't like pricking their finger, so there's a lot of interest." |
People with diabetes have higher than normal blood sugar levels. | People with diabetes have higher than normal blood sugar levels. |
There are 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, with an estimated 549,000 more who have the condition, but do not know it. | There are 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, with an estimated 549,000 more who have the condition, but do not know it. |
The 10% who have Type 1 diabetes have to monitor their blood glucose level more regularly - up to six times a day, or 20,000 times over a decade. | The 10% who have Type 1 diabetes have to monitor their blood glucose level more regularly - up to six times a day, or 20,000 times over a decade. |
Cardiff University's diabetes monitor project started in 2008 and has since received £1m in funding from health improvement charity Wellcome Trust. | Cardiff University's diabetes monitor project started in 2008 and has since received £1m in funding from health improvement charity Wellcome Trust. |
The team said the product is potentially five years away from reaching the market, subject to further investment. | The team said the product is potentially five years away from reaching the market, subject to further investment. |
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