I came across this interesting article about an iPhone add-on that could mean the end of finger pricking for diabetics, and I wanted to share it with you all. Researchers have created nanosensors (injected like a tattoo just under the skin) that fluoresce under a special light source, indicating the patient's glucose levels. Northeastern University in Boston has created a new smartphone add-on device to work in conjunction with the nanosensors. This iPhone attachment provides three-way LED lighting under which the nanosensors fluoresce and takes an image of the fluorescence. Doctors can look at the images on a computer and analyze them according to how much they fluoresce. The patient that has more of the target compound in his/her bloodstream will have more fluorescence in its images. The nanosensors also track sodium levels in the blood, which researchers say would be valuable in diagnosing dehydration. I remember when we had to learn how to use glucose meters in our Patient Care Management (PCM) lab and I had to get my finger pricked for a glucose reading. It was really painful to me and my finger was throbbing afterwards for two days. I can't imagine having to do this multiple times on a daily basis, which diabetics have to do in order to keep their blood sugar levels under control. I think this is a great alternative for diabetics who have to do multiple finger sticks a day. It will save them pain and money from not having to buy the actual glucose meter, lancets, and test strips (which all are quite costly). The researchers see other potential uses for these nanosensors, such as: tracking iron levels in the blood for anemic patients, monitoring medication levels as a way to titrate dosing, and measuring blood gases for respiratory and/or cardiac patients. Iltifat Husain states, "If you're able to track a patient's basic metabolic panel, especially their sodium, potassium, and creatinine, you would be able to avoid multiple blood draws that happen throughout the day during a hospital stay." I think this is a great idea for the future, and I am glad that technology can help patients in the medical field. These patients will experience less pain, receive better care, and in the long run (hopefully) save money. What do you all think? Good or bad...let me know. Here's a link to the article: iPhone add-on could mean end of finger pricking for diabetics.
This would be an awesome invention for people dealing with diabetes. Working in a pharmacy helps you realize how expensive diabetes maintenance medications and supplies can be for a diabetes patient. Something that would allow a diabetes patient to cut down on costs of test strips and lancets would be very helpful. This also can help patients adhere to their medications and testing by providing an easier way to manage their disease.
ReplyDeleteThis for me is an excellent new creation since in order to do a finger pricking for diabetes requires a lot of adherence from the patient. They should have the require equipment and the space to revise their blood glucose, and is quite painful. This is an alternative to a daily activity that patients do in order to keep control of their condition. The only disadvantage I see is that some patients may not be willing to get the implantation of the nanosensor. I think that with a little more of research in this new technology we can motivate patients to get advantage of this new nanosensor to check the glucose levels.
ReplyDeleteWow! Great find. My girlfriend is a Type I diabetic and I see her test her bloodsugar day in and day out, so I know how time consuming, painfull, and costly the standard procedure can be. I hope this comes out sooner than later; however, my skeptical side is also telling me this will be hard for the government to resist tampering with. Does anyone know how this "nano-bot" stayed charged? Does the paitent have to go into the doctor's office to get injections frequently of new "nano-bots" or is there a transdermal charging station? Just my thoughts and questions!
ReplyDeleteVery fascinating. Even though this means no more pricking, it still requires implantation of nano-sensors. I don't know how many people will be willing to do this, let alone pay for this. Nonetheless, an excellent, innovative tool.
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