• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Voices for Medtech: AdvaMed and MDMA Leaders Share Thoughts

    Digitize Your QMS via an Enterprise Cloud Platform

    Diagnostic Desperation: A Look at IVD Trends During COVID-19

    Resourceful Resources: Materials Make a Difference During the Pandemic

    Stressed Testing: Challenges with Medical Device Testing
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Cretex CFO Announces Retirement

    New AI-Based Tool Developed for Coronary Artery Analysis, Intervention Planning

    First Reported Use of Pulse Biosciences' CellFX System

    EUA Granted for New COVID-19, Flu A, Flu B Combo Kit

    EchoNous Expands Its Kosmos Hardware Platform
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Voices for Medtech: AdvaMed and MDMA Leaders Share Thoughts

    Digitize Your QMS via an Enterprise Cloud Platform

    Diagnostic Desperation: A Look at IVD Trends During COVID-19

    Resourceful Resources: Materials Make a Difference During the Pandemic

    Stressed Testing: Challenges with Medical Device Testing
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Cybersecurity Compromises, Courtesy of COVID-19

    A Look at the Actual Device Costs for Hospitals

    Show Time: Here’s What a Year of No Tradeshows Meant for Small Businesses

    FDA Making Progress With Technology and Data Action Plans

    What’s Hot Now in Medtech M&A
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    MW Life Sciences

    Spectrum Plastics Group

    K-Tube Technologies

    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    PTI Engineered Plastics Inc.
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    How Grant Funding Works and How It Can Help

    Refurbished Medical Equipment Testing and Certification Under the NEC

    Taking the First Step with Metal Components

    4 Trends Driving Medical Manufacturing in 2021

    Pioneering AI Solutions to Reinforce Healthcare Services
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    Medicoil

    maxon

    PTI Engineered Plastics Inc.

    Medbio LLC

    Unicep
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    Clinical Trial Tests 'Tattoo Sensor' as Needleless Glucose Monitor

    The tattoo sensor measures insulin levels through sweat on the skin.

    Clinical Trial Tests
    Edward Chao, D.O., is the principal investigator of a phase I clinical trial at UC San Diego Health that is testing the accuracy of a needleless glucose monitor developed by University of California San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering researchers that adheres to the skin like a temporary tattoo to read blood sugar levels. Image courtesy of UC San Diego Health.
    Related CONTENT
    • FDA Approves Daytime Treatment for Sleep Apnea and Snoring
    • Senseonics Forges Strategic Collaboration With Ascensia Diabetes Care
    • DexCom Teams Up with UVA in Diabetes Research
    • Parexel International Executive Joining Tandem Diabetes Board
    • Abbott Introduces World's First Glucose Biosensor Designed for Athletes
    University of California - San Diego04.20.18
    For Angela Valdez, being diagnosed with diabetes was an awakening. The disorder ran in her family, but she didn't think it would happen to her. And when it did, she acted by modifying her diet and physical activity. She was doing everything right—almost.
     
    "I don't handle monitoring my diabetes as I should," said Valdez. "I have the diet down a lot better now and I take my medication as I should, but the finger pricking is a struggle for me. I only test if I feel bad. If I don't feel my blood sugar level is high, and I'm taking the pill every day, I think I'm alright. Which is really bad thinking, but the pin prick is terrifying."
     
    Valdez one of 29 million people living with diabetes in the United States for whom monitoring their blood glucose (blood sugar) level is an integral component of managing their condition. Understanding how a patient's sugar levels ebb and flow over the course of time can guide medication regimens and suggest changes that may improve quality of life, perhaps even save it.
     
    Unfortunately, like Valdez, many patients with diabetes do not track their blood glucose regularly. According to Edward Chao, DO, associate clinical professor of medicine at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and a physician at VA San Diego Healthcare System, one-quarter of persons receiving insulin treatment infrequently or never test their blood glucose. Another 65 percent of patients who use other drugs to treat their diabetes test just once a month or less.
     
    "Adherence to chronic disease management is low—about 50 percent. Diabetes is no exception," said Chao. "There's more self-management involved in diabetes, including using needles to test blood glucose, monitoring foot health, managing medications and keeping regular clinical appointments. That's a lot more than many other conditions. We need to introduce a tool that reduces discomfort or inconvenience to increase vital monitoring of glucose."
     
    Enter a needleless glucose monitor dubbed the tattoo sensor, which measures insulin levels through sweat on the skin. Developed by UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering researchers and led by UC San Diego Center for Wearable Sensors director Joseph Wang, DSc, SAIC Endowed Chair of Engineering, and co-director, Patrick Mercier, Ph.D., the team is developing a glucose monitoring patch without the prick.
     
    "Just like a kid's temporary tattoo, you apply it on the arm, dab with water and remove the back paper," said Mercier, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "Our tattoo, however, is printed with material containing two electrodes that apply a small amount of electrical current. This forces glucose molecules that reside below the skin to rise to the surface, allowing us to measure blood sugar. It's safe and you can't really feel it."
     
    Valdez has enrolled in a phase I clinical trial headed by Chao, in collaboration with Wang and Mercier. The ENGAGE study takes places at UC San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, where the team tests the tattoo sensor's accuracy at detecting glucose levels compared to a traditional glucometer.
     
    Participants wear a sensor during fasting, at various times up to a couple of hours after eating. To validate accuracy, glucose levels from the sensor will be compared to results from simultaneous finger stick glucose readings.
     
    "They placed the sensor on my shoulder and I washed it and dried it," said Valdez. "They said I should feel a mild sensation when they plugged in the electronic glucose monitor. I didn't. At one point it felt like a bug landed on me, but it was barely noticeable. After the first round I took a break to eat and work at my desk for a short time. I functioned like I normally do. I went back for the second round and didn't feel any discomfort. I can see wearing it all day."
     
    The clinical trial is enrolling 50 adults, ages 18 to 75, with either type 1 or 2 diabetes or diabetes due to other causes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce or becomes resistant to insulin—the master regulator of glucose storage and use. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas, leaving the body unable to produce insulin.
     
    By producing a noninvasive, discrete and user-friendly product that is inexpensive, the UC San Diego team hopes to break down barriers that deter patients from testing blood glucose regularly. If produced on a mass scale, Mercier believes the tattoos could be priced equally to what glucose test strips cost today, approximately $1 per single-use strip.
     
    In its current stage, the tattoo sensor provides one readout. Eventually, Mercier hopes to have a continuous sensor that monitors glucose for a whole day.
     
    Continuous glucose monitors already exist. However, the technology still requires inserting a needle into the abdomen every few days to measure glucose through interstitial fluid and requires calibrating with finger sticks periodically.
     
    "Drawing blood is uncomfortable. No one likes doing it. The beauty of the technology we are developing is that it is a truly noninvasive means to measure glucose," said Mercier. "The main purpose of our research is to develop new technologies that can monitor glucose without drawing blood and ideally measure it over the course of the day. By giving this real-time information to patients, they can manage their consumption of sugars and injections of insulin much better than with periodic spot measurements."
     
    Currently, to get the most up-to-date data, patients prick their fingers a few times per day. Blood is then applied to a glucose test strip which is inserted into a portable glucometer for analysis of glucose levels. The data gathered, however, is still limited. To get a better sense of a patient's overall health more frequent testing—or better yet, continuous monitoring—provides a fuller, more detailed picture of what is happening inside the patient's body when he or she eats or is active, said Chao.
     
    "Even if you are not on insulin, it's useful to have a glucometer in times of rapidly changing glucose levels," said Chao. "We're not just trying to prevent dangerous highs and lows. That's the immediate feedback. In the long term, this allows us to discern patterns throughout the day when a person is running really high or having trouble spots when they're running hypoglycemic."
     
    Hypoglycemia, or abnormally low blood sugar, can be dangerous and requires immediate treatment. A severe case might leave a person unable to treat themselves and could lead to seizures or even death. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
     
    Hyperglycemia or high glucose levels occurs when the body has too little insulin or isn't using insulin properly to moderate blood sugar. If untreated, hyperglycemia poses greater long-term consequences, including a condition called ketoacidosis or diabetic coma. Hyperglycemia can also increase a person's risk of diabetic complications, such as heart attack, stroke, peripheral atrial disease, blindness, kidney disease and more.
     
    "There are times when people will notice that when their glucose is low. They may feel sweaty, shaky or irritable," said Chao. "But, some people may not recognize when they have hypoglycemia. People with high blood sugar may not feel any different and won't know they are running high. That's scary. That's where having a continuous glucose monitor will be very useful and lifesaving."
    Related Searches
    • data
    • wearable
    • track
    • sensor
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Patient Monitoring
    • Electronics
    Suggested For You
    FDA Approves Daytime Treatment for Sleep Apnea and Snoring FDA Approves Daytime Treatment for Sleep Apnea and Snoring
    Senseonics Forges Strategic Collaboration With Ascensia Diabetes Care Senseonics Forges Strategic Collaboration With Ascensia Diabetes Care
    DexCom Teams Up with UVA in Diabetes Research DexCom Teams Up with UVA in Diabetes Research
    Parexel International Executive Joining Tandem Diabetes Board Parexel International Executive Joining Tandem Diabetes Board
    Abbott Introduces World Abbott Introduces World's First Glucose Biosensor Designed for Athletes
    Painless Paper Patch Glucose Level Test Uses Microneedles Painless Paper Patch Glucose Level Test Uses Microneedles
    Exero Medical Completes First In-Human Implant of Wireless Anastomotic Leak Sensor Exero Medical Completes First In-Human Implant of Wireless Anastomotic Leak Sensor
    Expanded Pediatric Indication for Tandem Diabetes Expanded Pediatric Indication for Tandem Diabetes' t:slim X2 Insulin Pump
    Wearable COVID-19 Sensor Monitors Symptoms, Disease Progression and Treatment Response Wearable COVID-19 Sensor Monitors Symptoms, Disease Progression and Treatment Response
    Watson Health Creator Joins Tandem Diabetes Board Watson Health Creator Joins Tandem Diabetes Board
    Clinical Trial Begins for Exero Medical’s Wireless Anastomotic Sensor  Clinical Trial Begins for Exero Medical’s Wireless Anastomotic Sensor
    Holst Centre Constructs New Near-Infrared Vein Detection Sensor Holst Centre Constructs New Near-Infrared Vein Detection Sensor
    Low-Cost, High-Accuracy GPS-Like System for Flexible Medical Robots Low-Cost, High-Accuracy GPS-Like System for Flexible Medical Robots
    FDA OKs ALung Hemolung Respiratory Assist System to Treat COVID-19 FDA OKs ALung Hemolung Respiratory Assist System to Treat COVID-19
    The Medtech Supply Chain and COVID-19 The Medtech Supply Chain and COVID-19

    Related Breaking News

    • Digital Health | Patient Monitoring
      Masimo Launches Tool to Support Reopening Schools, Businesses

      Masimo Launches Tool to Support Reopening Schools, Businesses

      Masimo SafetyNet-OPEN helps screen, trace, and manage users as they face COVID-19 and other infectious illnesses.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 02.16.21

    • Digital Health | Patient Monitoring | Software & IT
      FDA OKs CLEW

      FDA OKs CLEW's AI-Based ICU Predictive Analytics Tech

      CLEWICU predicts hemodynamic instability in adult patients.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 02.04.21

    • Digital Health | Patient Monitoring
      Philips Inks Connected Care Solutions Deal with 28-Hospital Dutch SAZ Group

      Philips Inks Connected Care Solutions Deal with 28-Hospital Dutch SAZ Group

      Different SAZ hospitals will start with Philips solutions for patient monitoring and self-management.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 02.04.21


    • Patient Monitoring
      Hillrom Buys EarlySense

      Hillrom Buys EarlySense's Contact-Free Continuous Monitoring Tech

      EarlySense's contact-free continuous monitoring, analytics tech was integrated into the Centrella Smart+ med-surg bed.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 02.01.21

    • Cardiovascular | Patient Monitoring
      Hillrom to Buy Bardy Diagnostics for $375M

      Hillrom to Buy Bardy Diagnostics for $375M

      Advances digital health offering with expansion into attractive ambulatory cardiac monitoring segment.
      PR Newswire 01.19.21

    • Patient Monitoring
      Valencell Launches Blood Pressure Monitoring Tech

      Valencell Launches Blood Pressure Monitoring Tech

      New technology can be built into a myriad of devices to provide accurate blood pressure readings.
      Valencell 01.13.21


    • Chronic Disease | Digital Health | Patient Monitoring
      Teladoc Health, Dexcom Launch CGM Tech, Personalized Insights for Type 2 Diabetes

      Teladoc Health, Dexcom Launch CGM Tech, Personalized Insights for Type 2 Diabetes

      CGM-powered insights offer complete health profile, recommendations that support ongoing diabetes management.
      GlobeNewswire 01.13.21

    • Patient Monitoring
      Unique Contact Lens Sensor System & Manufacturing Process Developed

      Unique Contact Lens Sensor System & Manufacturing Process Developed

      New multifunctional lens can provide diversified signals from eyes.
      Surrey University 01.12.21

    • Patient Monitoring
      Itamar Medical Acquires Spry Health Tech, Assets

      Itamar Medical Acquires Spry Health Tech, Assets

      Leverages Spry’s technology to bring to market first device for continuous remote patient monitoring of sleep apnea.
      GlobeNewswire 01.12.21


    • Patient Monitoring
      CES News: Philips Highlights Healthcare at Home

      CES News: Philips Highlights Healthcare at Home

      Participates in the first-ever all-digital CES 2021.
      Royal Philips 01.11.21

    • Electronics
      Hermetic Solutions Acquires Cristek Interconnects

      Hermetic Solutions Acquires Cristek Interconnects

      Complements Hermetic Solutions’ engineered component and microelectronic packaging solutions.
      Hermetic Solutions Group 01.06.21

    • Electronics
      Molex Acquires Fiberguide Industries

      Molex Acquires Fiberguide Industries

      Purchase extends optical fiber portfolio and drives delivery of customized, integrated solutions.
      Molex 12.18.20


    • Patient Monitoring

      'Smart Ring' Could Spot a Fever Before You Feel It

      Advance could pave the way for early warning system on COVID-19 and flu using wearables.
      University of California - San Diego 12.14.20

    • Cardiovascular | Patient Monitoring
      FDA OKs Volta Medical

      FDA OKs Volta Medical's VX1 AI AFib Mapping Software

      Assists in real-time manual annotation of 3D anatomical, electrical maps of the atria during AFib.
      PR Newswire 12.10.20

    • Patient Monitoring | Software & IT
      AI Metrics

      AI Metrics' Liver Imaging Software Earns FDA Nod

      Early-stage startup approved for low-cost, low-risk, non-invasive procedures for chronic liver disease patients.
      University of Alabama at Birmingham 12.09.20


    Trending
    • Plastikos Medical Begins Phase II Of Expansion
    • Hardy Diagnostics Releases Rapid Test For COVID-19
    • FDA Clears ENvizion's Personalized Feeding Tube Placement Device
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • Cheetah Medical Introduces Noninvasive Monitoring System
    Breaking News
    • Cretex CFO Announces Retirement
    • New AI-Based Tool Developed for Coronary Artery Analysis, Intervention Planning
    • First Reported Use of Pulse Biosciences' CellFX System
    • EUA Granted for New COVID-19, Flu A, Flu B Combo Kit
    • EchoNous Expands Its Kosmos Hardware Platform
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    March 2021

    • Stressed Testing: Challenges with Medical Device Testing
    • Resourceful Resources: Materials Make a Difference During the Pandemic
    • Diagnostic Desperation: A Look at IVD Trends During COVID-19
    • Digitize Your QMS via an Enterprise Cloud Platform
    • Voices for Medtech: AdvaMed and MDMA Leaders Share Thoughts
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Thymoquinone Inhibits Viral Infection in In Vitro Settings, New Study Finds
    IFT Transitions 2021 Annual Event to Digital Experience
    NY Federal Judge Enters Permanent Injunction Against Dietary Supplement Manufacturer
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Sherwin-Williams Announces Resignation of President and COO
    Ashland Completes Expansion and Relocation of Viatel Bioresorbable Polymers Manufacturing Facility
    Evonik Receives Sustainability Award from EcVadis
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Cretex CFO Announces Retirement
    New AI-Based Tool Developed for Coronary Artery Analysis, Intervention Planning
    First Reported Use of Pulse Biosciences' CellFX System
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    AGC Biologics Expands Cell and Gene Facility in Italy
    Celonic to Boost Cell & Gene Therapy Production
    Pharmaron Acquires Biomanufacturing Site in the UK from AbbVie
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Ulta Beauty Opens in Herald Square
    Elizabeth Arden Taps Sui He as Global Brand Ambassador
    Natura &Co Outperforms the Global Market in Q4 2020
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    What You're Reading on Happi.com
    Indie Beauty Innovators Wanted
    Cosmetic Chemists Seek Mentors
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Massilly North America Adds Koenig & Bauer MetalStar 3 Metal Decorating Press
    Hydrocarbon Solvents Market to Surpass $8.1 Billion by 2030
    Access Direct Mail Doubles Revenue with SCREEN's Truepress Jet520HD
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Arjobex America welcomes Maggie Naberezny to sales team
    Henkel publishes 30th Sustainability Report
    Avery Dennison Smartrac launches new Circus Pro inlays
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    FPInnovations Develops Biodegradable Mask
    Sani Professional Sanitizing and Disinfecting Products Approved by EPA
    Autefa Solutions Offers Fully Automated Line for Protective Mask Production
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Colfax Decides to Divide Its Businesses
    Stryker Corp.'s 2020 Sales Slip 3.6 Percent
    Bioventus Appoints Managing Director, China and Asia Pacific
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Printed Circuit Board Market Projected to Reach $69.32 Billion by 2027
    Global Smart Glass Market to Register 6.8% CAGR Between 2021-28: Grand View Research

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login