• 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
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    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
    Optimize EP Launches CaRM Cardiac Device Data Management Platform

    U.S. TAVR Market Projected to Reach Nearly $5 Billion by 2030

    FDA Clears Canon Medical's Compressed SPEEDER for 3D Exams on 1.5T MR

    Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation

    Moon Surgical Expands Leadership Team
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Fixing Face Mask Form and Function

    The Heart of the Matter: Trends in Cardiology

    Virtually the Same? The Challenges of Online Conferences

    Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

    Advanced Technology for Staking and Swaging Medical Plastics
    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
    Creganna Medical, part of TE Connectivity

    MW Life Sciences

    PTI Engineered Plastics Inc.

    Concise Engineering

    Element
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Meeting Critical Ventilator Product Requirements Amid Pandemic

    Impact of COVID-19 on the Medtech Supply Chain

    Finding the Upside to a Challenging Year

    Preparing Your Design Controls for FDA Approval

    A 'Trial and Error' Approach to Micromolded Parts
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    PTI Engineered Plastics Inc.

    Medicoil

    Qosina Corp.

    Creganna Medical, part of TE Connectivity

    Concise Engineering
    • 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
    Columns

    Diabetes Management and the Role of Adhesives

    ...

    Related CONTENT
    • Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation
    • CMS Expedites Breakthrough Device Access; Industry Applauds
    • Researchers Receive Funding to Develop Smart Vaccine Device
    • Medtech Matters: Talking Robotic Surgery with Zimmer Biomet
    • Vonco Products Receives ISO 13485:2016 Certification
    Del R. Lawson, Ph.D., R&D manager, Critical and Chronic Care Solutions Division, 3M06.04.18
    Diabetes management has come a long way over the past few decades. The disease that used to require patients to visit their doctor’s office on a weekly basis for glucose readings can now be continuously monitored on-the-go in the office or at home. Innovations in medical technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring devices, have allowed those with diabetes to maintain their independence and active lifestyles. The latest trends in diabetes management technology, like wireless monitors and insulin pumps, allow for easier tracking and harder-to-miss alert notifications that dramatically improve the health of those living with diabetes. While medicine strives to attain a diabetes-free future, device and component manufacturers have a responsibility to help improve quality of life by making disease management easier, less cumbersome, and less invasive.

    One specific technology that plays a pivotal role in diabetes-related devices, and wearable medical products overall, is adhesive. Regardless of whether it’s sticking a device to skin or adhering device components together, adhesives help solve design challenges, help prevent skin injuries associated with the device, and ensure the product is working as intended. Adhesives also help attain a common healthcare industry goal—to extend a device’s wear time in order to help improve quality of life. But placing a foreign object on the body for any length of time can cause serious issues, particularly if the wrong adhesive is chosen. To help mitigate potential issues and enable future diabetic device innovation, it’s important to understand the science behind sticking to skin, the breadth of adhesive types and when they’re appropriate to use, and how to overcome common diabetic device design issues.

    The Science Behind Sticking to Skin
    Skin is a complicated, living organ that provides the body’s first line of defense against infection. It helps regulate body temperature and protect against dehydration, as well as chemical and physical elements. For skin to function as intended, however, it must be allowed to breathe, expel moisture, and move as it normally would. Without this flexibility, skin’s functional properties will be compromised, potentially leading to larger issues. To help ensure devices are successful, design engineers should consider the following four characteristics that impact skin.

    Age—Just as the rest of the body changes with age, so does skin. Age impacts skin’s functioning capabilities and its susceptibility to injury. Each stage comes with its own set of characteristics.
    • Infants: Babies have very thin, fragile skin. Their epidermis hasn’t fully developed, and it can be easily damaged.
    • Adolescence: The amount of oil and sweat production changes.
    • Healthy young adult: Skin is elastic and durable.
    • Adult to elderly: Aging skin becomes drier, thinner, and more fragile, increasing the risk of skin injuries.
    Moisture—It’s no secret that skin is largely comprised of water. The first layer is only about 15 percent water, but deeper layers are roughly 70 percent water. That water is constantly trying to work its way up and out through the top layers of skin. Adhesives, and the wearable device as a whole, must allow moisture to escape through or around it—a process known as breathability. When moisture levels are not taken into consideration, water can get trapped underneath, potentially causing maceration (essentially drowning the skin, causing a white layer and swelling), a medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) that weakens skin.

    Hair growth—As hair grows, it can push up against the device, causing it to fall off. This isn’t an issue with all locations of the body, but should be a consideration.

    Lifestyle—Skin’s properties are affected by activity levels, diet, and health conditions. Specific factors to keep in mind are movement—as it alters the body contour underneath the device; and environment—with heat and humidity, sweat and moisture production increase, while freezing temperatures dehydrate. Knowing how active the intended user will be, the conditions he/she may experience, and the climate the wearable will be exposed to will help to better inform adhesive selection.

    Adhesive Types
    When sticking devices to skin or building devices that come into contact with skin, it’s important to know about the various types of adhesives and how each type is intended to interact with skin. Below are the three main categories.

    Acrylic adhesives—These are commonly used in the healthcare industry because they’re breathable and biocompatible, an essential combination when adhering wearable devices beyond several days. They can also be formulated to be nearly as aggressive or as gentle as the following two types.

    Silicone adhesives—Optimal for applications where gentleness is required, silicones conform to skin immediately upon application. They’re ideal for infants, the elderly, and those with fragile or sensitive skin because they can be removed with less pain and trauma. With moderate breathability and limited adhesive capability (only several days at most), current silicones on the market are not formulated for long-term applications.

    Synthetic rubber-based adhesives—They provide strong, instant adhesion upon application, but rapidly lose it over the span of a few days. A device that’s repeatedly re-applied in the same area of the body, like those monitoring diabetes, should not use this type because of an elevated MARSI risk. It also has limited breathability.

    An additional characteristic to keep in mind is that most adhesives applied to skin are pressure sensitive, meaning they require pressure upon application to maximize adhesion. But different adhesive types take different lengths of time to reach their maximum adhesive capability. For instance, silicones conform instantaneously, as previously mentioned, whereas acrylics become more adhesive over time. This difference must be taken into account during the device design phase.

    Overcoming Common Diabetic Device Design Issues
    Common diabetic device design issues associated with adhesives include premature detachment, skin irritation, and excessive adhesive strength. Most of the time, these issues are preventable. What it comes down to is selecting the right adhesive for each device design. Let’s explore each of these common pitfalls and how to overcome them.

    Premature detachment—When devices, like monitors or sensors, prematurely fall off, the adhesive sticking it to the body may be at fault. This happens when the adhesive lacks sufficient durability or strength for the intended duration of wear. To help keep this from happening, design engineers should consider a pressure sensitive medical adhesive with a breathable backing. A carefully selected adhesive can withstand daily wear and tear, while a breathable backing helps ensure skin functions as close to normal as possible.

    Sometimes a device falling off too soon is caused by an external force knocking it off, like the wearer accidently bumping against a corner or door jam. While design engineers don’t have the power to prevent accidents, the device design can have a slimmer profile to stay closer to the body and farther out of harm’s way. Another possible solution is the use of an extended adhesive skirt that extends beyond the device. 3M’s internal clinical studies show that extended skirts reduce lift from normal wear and tear associated with wearing a medical device.

    Skin irritation—Some go into the design process with the mindset “tape is tape.” The sentiment may be true in everyday situations, but when designing devices, particularly those that come into contact with skin, such an opinion is inappropriate. Thinking along these lines can cause harm to the wearer. Be aware that incomplete curing or finishing of an adhesive can result in residual contaminants migrating into or onto the skin; these are common causes of skin reactions. Even when these considerations have been thought through, some device users may still experience skin reactions.

    Excessive adhesive strength—As harmless as it may sound, using too strong of an adhesive is one of the most dangerous pitfalls. While a strong bond will help the device remain adhered for as long as intended, it can cause skin to strip away from the body. This occurrence can cause immediate pain to the wearer and compromises his/her first line of defense against infection, potentially leading to additional problems in the future. That’s why it’s critical to not “over-design” a device. Just because a certain adhesive is incredibly strong, doesn’t mean it’s right for every application, especially when sticking to skin. To set a device up for success and keep the intended wearer safe, designers should first consider the product’s intended wear time. If a sensor is being adhered to the skin, how long until the wearer must change it? Knowing how long the device or sensor is meant to do its job will ensure the adhesive selection process is headed down the right path.

    Unfortunately, not every solution will be a catch-all. The reality is that everyone’s skin is unique and may react in different ways. In order to help ensure each device is set up for success, design engineers should consider partnering with experts knowledgeable in both adhesives and the science of skin. Online platforms like 3M’s FindMyAdhesive.com can also provide a good starting point.

    Managing diabetes is a full-time job, and it shouldn’t be further complicated by the device monitoring it. Device designers must carefully consider all available adhesive options because choosing the right stick-to-skin adhesive could simplify medical treatment for patients requiring wearable devices like a continuous glucose monitor. 


    Del R. Lawson , Ph.D., is a R&D manager in 3M’s Critical & Chronic Care Solutions Division with more than 25 years of experience. 
    Related Searches
    • innovations
    • wireless
    • clinical studies
    • 3m
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Materials
    • Patient Monitoring
    • Diagnostics
    Suggested For You
    Perspectives on Post-Pandemic: Consider the IT Infrastructure Perspectives on Post-Pandemic: Consider the IT Infrastructure
    Perspectives on Post-Pandemic: Expect Supply Chain Security to Increase Perspectives on Post-Pandemic: Expect Supply Chain Security to Increase
    Medtech Matters: Medtronic Medtech Matters: Medtronic's Robotic Surgery Status
    Medtech Matters: Surgeons Scrubbing In Virtually Medtech Matters: Surgeons Scrubbing In Virtually
    Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation
    CMS Expedites Breakthrough Device Access; Industry Applauds CMS Expedites Breakthrough Device Access; Industry Applauds
    Researchers Receive Funding to Develop Smart Vaccine Device Researchers Receive Funding to Develop Smart Vaccine Device
    Medtech Matters: Talking Robotic Surgery with Zimmer Biomet Medtech Matters: Talking Robotic Surgery with Zimmer Biomet
    Vonco Products Receives ISO 13485:2016 Certification Vonco Products Receives ISO 13485:2016 Certification
    Study Shows Lungpacer System Improves Diaphragm Strength by More Than 300 Percent Study Shows Lungpacer System Improves Diaphragm Strength by More Than 300 Percent
    New Clinical Trial Data Supports BD Libertas Wearable Injector as a Drug Delivery System New Clinical Trial Data Supports BD Libertas Wearable Injector as a Drug Delivery System
    Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound Outperforms Mammography Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound Outperforms Mammography
    BioSerenity Achieves FDA Clearance for Wearable Device System BioSerenity Achieves FDA Clearance for Wearable Device System
    Greenlight Guru and Nelson Labs Partner Greenlight Guru and Nelson Labs Partner
    Vesper Medical Announces First Enrollment in the VIVID Trial Vesper Medical Announces First Enrollment in the VIVID Trial

    Related Columns

    • Diagnostics
       How COVID-19 is Reshaping the Diagnostics Testing Sector

      How COVID-19 is Reshaping the Diagnostics Testing Sector

      The short-term impact on the diagnostics sector is readily apparent as the pandemic has fueled overwhelming demand for effective SARS-CoV-2 testing solutions.
      Eric Williams, Managing Director, Capstone Headwaters 11.04.20

    • Materials
      Beyond the Status Quo: Eight Often-Overlooked Areas of Medical Textile Product Development

      Beyond the Status Quo: Eight Often-Overlooked Areas of Medical Textile Product Development

      Companies have been successful in bringing devices to market that support MIS approaches in part because of biomedical textile materials.
      Shanzeh Farooqui, Development Engineering Lead, Cortland Biomedical 10.01.20

    • Diagnostics
      A Breath of Fresh Air for COVID-19 Testing

      A Breath of Fresh Air for COVID-19 Testing

      One of the latest COVID-19 testing innovations has recently emerged from Israel’s Technion-Israel Institute of Technology—a coronavirus breath test.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 09.01.20


    • Diagnostics
      ‘Pandemic Drone’ Spots COVID-19 Symptoms

      ‘Pandemic Drone’ Spots COVID-19 Symptoms

      About three months ago, drone-making company Draganfly began to strategize how drones might be able to help against COVID-19.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 06.04.20

    • Diagnostics
      Gaining a Clearer Picture of Hitachi

      Gaining a Clearer Picture of Hitachi

      Diagnostic imaging is gaining the attention of many in healthcare as the technologies shrink in size and become available to those outside the hospital.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 04.01.20

    • Materials | Testing
      Particle Particulars: Why this Analysis Is Foundational for Successful Devices

      Particle Particulars: Why this Analysis Is Foundational for Successful Devices

      In the mid-2000s, medical device experts were hopeful they’d found one solution to longer-lasting implants.
      Dawn A. Lissy, President & Founder, Empirical 03.04.20


    • Diagnostics
      From Genome Sequencing to the World’s First Portable MRI

      From Genome Sequencing to the World’s First Portable MRI

      Dr. Jonathan Rothberg has risen about as high as a scientist can, save for the Nobel Prize.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 11.04.19

    • Diagnostics
      Elizabeth Holmes: The Making of a Pop Culture Icon

      Elizabeth Holmes: The Making of a Pop Culture Icon

      Despite keeping a relatively low profile this year (not by choice), Elizabeth Holmes’ celebrity status has continued to grow.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 10.08.19

    • Electronics | Machining & Laser Processing | Materials | Molding
      Changing of the Guard? The Rise of Asia’s Medtech Suppliers

      Changing of the Guard? The Rise of Asia’s Medtech Suppliers

      This article explores the implications for three emerging supplier regions in Asia: Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
      Mihir Torsekar, International Trade Analyst, U.S. International Trade Commission 10.08.19


    • Materials | Packaging & Sterilization | R&D & Design
      Case in Point: Robust Sintered PTFE Material Helps to Reduce Risk of HAIs

      Case in Point: Robust Sintered PTFE Material Helps to Reduce Risk of HAIs

      ...
      Jack Chan, Global Marketing Director—Medical, Porex 07.30.19

    • Cardiovascular | Diagnostics | Digital Health | Patient Monitoring
      Cardiac Care on the Can

      Cardiac Care on the Can

      ...
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 04.03.19

    • Digital Health | Patient Monitoring
      Converging Goals: How a Focus on the Patient Drives Stronger Healthcare Partnerships

      Converging Goals: How a Focus on the Patient Drives Stronger Healthcare Partnerships

      ...
      Vicki Anastasi, VP and Global Head—Medical Device and Diagnostics Research & Real World Evidence Late Phase Research, ICON 04.03.19


    • Diagnostics | Digital Health
      Google’s Search for Direction in Healthcare

      Google’s Search for Direction in Healthcare

      ...
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 03.07.19

    • Diagnostics | Digital Health
      A Past Glimpse Into the Future

      A Past Glimpse Into the Future

      ...
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 06.04.18

    • Diagnostics
      Theranos: Not Long for the Business World?

      Theranos: Not Long for the Business World?

      ...
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 05.03.18


    Trending
    • Cytotron Gains Breakthrough Status To Treat Breast, Liver, And Pancreatic Cancers
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • Medtech Matters: Talking Robotic Surgery With Zimmer Biomet
    • 5 Ways Plastics Revolutionized The Healthcare Industry
    • Moon Surgical Expands Leadership Team
    Breaking News
    • Optimize EP Launches CaRM Cardiac Device Data Management Platform
    • U.S. TAVR Market Projected to Reach Nearly $5 Billion by 2030
    • FDA Clears Canon Medical's Compressed SPEEDER for 3D Exams on 1.5T MR
    • Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation
    • Moon Surgical Expands Leadership Team
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products
    • The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech
    • The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review
    • 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

    Brown Fat Associated with Reductions in Chronic Disease Risk
    NIH Study Identifies Antibacterial Properties in Taurine
    NSF Begins New Certification Program
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Zeppelin Acquires MTI Mischtechnik
    Ezio Braggio Joins ChemQuest Europe
    IFS Coatings Announce Carbon Offset Program
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Optimize EP Launches CaRM Cardiac Device Data Management Platform
    U.S. TAVR Market Projected to Reach Nearly $5 Billion by 2030
    FDA Clears Canon Medical's Compressed SPEEDER for 3D Exams on 1.5T MR
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    KORSCH, MEDELPHARM Partner on R&D Equipment Portfolio
    Frontage Bolsters Clinical Services Capabilities
    Sanofi Unveils EUROAPI as Name of New European API Company
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Neenah to Host Packaging Webinar for Printers
    W.S. Badger is Named a ‘150 Top Impact Company’
    Mana Products, Meiyume and RPG Form The Vertical Beauty Alliance
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    A Surge in Interest for Supplements & Vitamins
    P&G, L'Oréal & Amorepacific Make News at CES
    Three Form Vertical Beauty Alliance
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    dar-tech, inc. Becomes U.S. Midwestern Distributor for ZS Interpolymer
    Techkon USA, Konica Minolta Partner
    Alon Bar-Shany Appointed Chairman of Highcon Board
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Exhibitor registration opens for virtual.drupa
    FTA planning in-person Forum & INFOFLEX
    Fortis Solutions Group achieves SGP certification
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Shemesh Adds U.S. Headquarters
    TZMO USA, Special Needs Group Form Partnership
    BAHP Announces 2021 Officers, Board of Directors
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Rapid Recovery Protocol Can Lead to Increased Range of Motion After TKA
    Boston Scientific Releases WaveWriter Alpha Spinal Cord Stimulators in U.S.
    New Chief Clinical Officer on Board at IncludeHealth
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Roadsimple Modernizes Warehouse Ops with Zebra Technologies
    Toppan Announces 2050 Environmental Vision
    SOI Industry Consortium Joins SEMI as Strategic Association Partner

    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