I recently lost my phone. I not only lost a "phone" but also the applications that made my life easier. Gone were my calorie counter, weather tracker, exercise programs and social network feeds.
I replaced it with a more advanced smartphone. I discovered apps have become more sophisticated. This phone can be pointed at the sky and tell me what stars or constellations I'm looking at. Mind boggling!
I found some diabetes apps that work like a paperless blood glucose log with graphs and easy ways to share my levels. I still have to test my blood and then enter the information.
However, what if I didn't have to test my blood? What if my phone could tell me what my blood glucose level is 24/7 or what if I am caring for a child with diabetes and my phone could alert me to levels that need attention. Impossible? Maybe not.
A study published in ScienceTranslational Medicine looks like the first step. Small sensors were implanted into two pigs that continuously detected glucose levels for over a year. Blood glucose levels were wirelessly sent to a receiver successfully.
David Gough, a bioengineering professor who led the study, has said human trials may begin within a few months and the device may be able to send signals to cell phones in the future.
What do you think? Would you have a wireless device implanted in your body to avoid finger pricks?
Photo FEMA/Bill Koplitz
It sounds very exciting, need more information on the wireless device, how “tiny” it HAS to be, and where it will be placed. I have had diabetes for 38 of my 42 years and being a person who ALWAYS carrys a phone, this would be fantastic !!!!!!
I have an unusual problem-I have type 2 diabetes, and an illness where I need to actually eat carbs/sugars to alleviate symptoms–so having the implant would be something I definitely would do to keep track of my blood sugars often.
Count me in….
I’d be willing to be a test subject. This is exciting.
This is something I would definitely go for.
I have a problem with my digestion system called IBS that makes me sometimes need carbs and sugar to keep anything in my system. I want to be a test subject for this and want to know which phone and service carrier would have it so i can make sure it is available for my phone.
Sounds great. I’d love it but have to agree – it depends on the size, etc., etc.
Absolutely. I’ve only had Type 2 diabetes since ‘95, but I would so love not to have to prick my fingers five times a day!! Count me IN!!!
MOST DEFINITELY!!!
I’m there!!!!!!!!!!!!
For me it is not the finger pricks, but rather the convenience of automatically registering the values. My whole diabetes self management group would be interested in participating.
It would be exciting to knowing your levels at any given time. Could me in if you could do it in Africa.
In a heart beat—-
Heck yea!! Sounds awesome!
What I am about to say of course DOES NOT apply to all diabetics, however, I live with two relatives, both DUE TO THEIR OVER WEIGHT PROBLEMS, developed Type 2 Diabetes. Neither one will eat properly, they stuff themselves every time they eat, then compalin about blood glucose reading levels. I have since ceased preaching to them about their eating habits, as it became a waste of time, effort, and breath. Food is shoveled in every day. Day after day, and all they do is complain about the cost of medication for their diabetes. This is frustrating! They just cannot keep from bending their elbows upward toward their mouth laden with ice cream, cookies, cake, fat fast foods, you name, they eat it!
That is great news! This has shown that the technology has really integrated into health care and helping people to be more awareness in their health, such as type 2 diabetes.. This is really amazing!
How sweet that would be, especially for those of us who are
determined to “normalize” our BG levels. Say, 20 daily readings, recorded automatically, with NO finger pricks and zero marginal cost! (Not that the implant and the smart phone wouldn’t set you back a bunch. Not holding my breath.)
Wow , It’s really great….
Definitely yes…. I am for the trial….. in Africa …… possible !!!!!
I love the idea of no more finger pricks. This is more useful than white bread. Contact me if you need a test dummy.
type 2 diabetes….
This would be great with the busy live I have. Not easy to carry around a meter and then document the reading. This would help me control my suger levels a little better.
ABSOLUTELY!!! I wore a DexCom for 5 days, and what a treat that was. I would love a device that only had to be replaced once a year.
Been having some bad moments lately going hypoglycemic. This would be a god send. I am 43, was diagnosed 9 years ago with adult onset type 1. I have decided to tackle this thing seriously now. i want some control of my life. This gadget would be great.
This would be wonderful! It would remove the problem of testing at the wrong time to catch the peak BGL after meals (which aren’t always predictable), helping me to know without a doubt which foods my body will tolerate.