In pursuit of an ideal - A perspective on non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring

Abstract

Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases globally, and is the fourth or fifth leading cause of death in many countries. Medical technology for the management of diabetes has advanced steadily since the discovery of insulin in the early 20th century. Today, individuals with diabetes benefit from home-use blood glucose meters, continuous insulin pumps and, most recently, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Numerous studies have shown that frequent use of real-time CGM can improve glycaemic control with reduced risk of hypoglycaemia. However, current CGM devices have notbeen wholeheartedly embraced, limiting their potential. A CGM device that is accurate, non-invasive, pain-free and non-intrusive to daily activities could drive increased adoption and use of CGM, potentially improving health and quality of life for many individuals living with diabetes. © TOUCH BRIEFINGS 2012.