According to a recent UNIST-affiliated study, there is now a novel method for monitoring blood sugar levels (BGLs) without taking blood. An electromagnetic (EM) wave-based glucose sensor implanted beneath the skin is used in this ground-breaking, non-invasive method of measuring blood glucose levels. Their discoveries have received a lot of attention since they do away with the requirement that diabetic people prick their fingers with glucose meters on a regular basis.
Professor Franklin Bien and his research group at UNIST’s Department of Electrical Engineering are responsible for this innovation.
The research team in this work presented an electromagnetic-based sensor that may be subcutaneously implanted and can track minute variations in dielectric permittivity caused by variations in BGLs. The interstitial fluid (ISF), the fluid that fills the spaces between cells, can be measured using the suggested sensor, which is roughly one-fifth the size of a cotton swab.
The study team stated that their current work is an endeavor to realize an implantable electromagnetic-based glucose sensor, which may be a replacement for enzyme- or optical-based glucose sensors. The short lifespan of the current continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) has been overcome by the suggested implantable sensor, and the accuracy of blood glucose prediction has also increased.
If fasting blood glucose levels are 126 mg/dL or greater, diabetes can be identified. A fasting glucose test result that is normal is less than 100 mg/dL. The maintenance of blood glucose levels within a predetermined target range is one of the fundamental goals of diabetes treatment. Around the world, more than 400 million individuals have diabetes, yet they still have to prick their fingers many times a day to check their blood glucose levels.
The use of alternative blood glucose measurement techniques, such as enzyme- or optical-based glucose sensors, has received substantial study. However, they continue to have problems with longevity, portability, and accuracy.
In this study, the research team developed semi-permanent and continuous blood sugar management at minimal maintenance costs without the discomfort of blood collection, allowing patients to live quality lives with proper diabetes treatment and management. This is anticipated to increase CGMS use, which is now barely 5%.
The research team also conducted swine and beagle sensor-implanted oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) in a controlled setting. According to the research team, the results of the initial proof-of-concept in vivo experiment demonstrated a promising association between BGL and sensor frequency response.
The research team stated that “our proposed sensor and system are indeed in the early stages of development.” However, the proof-of-concept in vivo data demonstrate an encouraging association between BGL and sensor frequency response. In fact, the sensor demonstrates tracking the BGL trend.
We must take into account biocompatible packaging and foreign body reactions (FBR) for long-term applications when considering real sensor implantation. Additionally, a better sensor interface system is being developed, the research team added.
Scientific Reports’ October 2022 issue has a report on their findings. This research was done in conjunction with SB Solutions Inc., a UNIST faculty startup business established by Professor Franklin Bien (Department of Electrical Engineering, UNIST). The business was established in 2017 and specializes in the development of glucose monitoring tools that support real-time blood glucose management. The company’s solution makes use of a non-invasive electromagnetic wave-based glucose measuring technique, and related systems are now going through the commercialization phase.
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