Glucose Monitoring
Non-invasive testing of blood glucose levels
Diabetes affects quality of life and can lead to major complications. The number of people with diabetes is increasing around the world, leading to higher costs for national economies. Diabetes has an enormous impact on individuals and on society:
- There are over 230 million people with diabetes world-wide;
- Between 1997 and 2003, the incidence of diabetes among US adults jumped 41%;
- People with diabetes may have a reduced life expectancy - up to 20 years for Type 1 and up to 10 years for Type 2 diabetics;
- Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age in the UK;
- In 2002, the direct medical cost of diabetes in the USA (primary care and treatment of complications) was $92 billion;
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.5 to 15% of annual health budgets are spent on diabetes-related illnesses.
Various studies have demonstrated the importance of good control of blood glucose levels and this is most commonly achieved by taking a blood sample from the finger. The problems for the user associated with the technique are:
- It is invasive and therefore carries the risk of infection;
- Continuous pricking of the fingers causes hard skin and nerve damage;
- The process is not pain free.
As a result of inconvenience, social embarrassment and discomfort many people do not test themselves as often as recommended. This increases the likelihood of associated health problems.
By removing the need to sample blood directly, Lein Applied Diagnostics' instrument will overcome these problems.
Lein Applied Diagnostics' glucose meter
Lein is applying a proven, non-invasive optical measurement principle in a novel way to measure the amount of glucose in the eye. From this measurement, the amount of glucose in the blood can be derived.
By combining expertise in diabetes, ophthalmology and medical devices, we are developing the technology to produce a non-invasive glucose meter for point of care testing. The meter will be hand-held, portable and about the size of a mobile phone. The device will be held up to the eye in order to take a reading.
Lein now owns two patents in this area. The first patent, GB2407378, deals with the optical measuring apparatus and method. The second, GB2409033, expands upon the first patent and protects the particular methods and apparatus being used.