Blood glucose out of control: Why we should avoid the use of unauthorized devices

Blood glucose refers to the concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Glucose is an essential source of energy for the body, vital for the proper functioning of various cells and tissues. Keeping blood glucose levels within a normal range is crucial for health.

Content:

Introduction
Existing methods for measuring blood glucose.
What is happening with devices that do not require pricks to measure blood glucose?
recommendations

Introduction:

Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are chronically elevated. Regular blood glucose measurement is essential to diagnose diabetes and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. People with diabetes often monitor their glucose levels to adjust medication, diet, and lifestyle to maintain optimal glycemic control. Persistently high blood glucose levels increase the risk of long-term complications associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, eye problems, neuropathy, and other health problems. Regular monitoring helps prevent and manage these complications by keeping glucose in the proper range.

Periodic measurement of blood glucose is crucial for the effective management of diabetes and the prevention of associated complications. Additionally, it may be useful in monitoring metabolic health in people without diabetes to identify potential problems early. The frequency and specific objectives for blood glucose measurement may vary depending on the individual clinical situation and should be discussed with a healthcare professional. However, it is of utmost importance that the technology used for blood glucose measurement meets the standards of quality, accuracy and due authorization from the competent regulatory bodies.

Existing methods for measuring blood glucose.

Today, blood glucose measurement techniques can be classified as invasive and non-invasive. Invasive methods are those that require punctures to obtain the blood sample for the corresponding analysis, and non-invasive methods do not require punctures.

Invasive or those that require punctures:

Test strips and glucometers: This is one of the most used methods in self-testing blood glucose. It involves applying a small sample of blood to a test strip that is inserted into a glucometer. The device measures the amount of glucose in the blood and displays the result on the screen.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems: These systems use a small sensor implanted under the skin to continuously measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The data is transmitted to a receiving device, usually a cell phone with the appropriate technology, which displays glucose levels in real time and provides information on trends.

Laboratory tests: Classic laboratory tests, such as the blood glucose test, determine the current glucose level, while the glycosylated hemoglobin test, also known as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), is a form of hemoglobin that It is formed when the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen irreversibly binds to glucose in the blood. The hemoglobin A1c measurement is expressed as a percentage and represents the average of blood glucose levels over a period of approximately 2 to 3 months. It may be less sensitive in detecting acute fluctuations, but is useful in assessing long-term control.

Non-invasive or no puncture required:

Some technologies are looking for ways to measure blood glucose without needing to puncture the skin. This may include optical sensors that measure glucose through the skin, although these are still in development and are not common like lancing methods. Among the new equipment are glucose patches, rings and smart watches.

Glucose patches: Some patches allow glucose levels to be measured through the skin. These patches contain sensors that detect glucose in the interstitial fluid and send the information to a reading device. Unlike traditional methods that require pricks to obtain a blood sample, glucose patches offer a less invasive way to monitor glucose levels. However, it is important to note that the accuracy of glucose patches may vary, and some models may require occasional calibration or verification with blood glucose measurements to ensure accurate results.

The choice of method depends on several factors, such as the need for regular monitoring, patient comfort, and the precision required. Importantly, technology continues to evolve, and new ways to measure blood glucose may appear in the future.

What is happening with devices that do not require pricks to measure blood glucose?

Technologies that do not require punctures to measure blood glucose, known as non-invasive methods, are constantly developing and updating. Some of these technologies in development include optical sensors and skin patches. It is important to note that the accuracy and reliability of these technologies may depend on various factors.

Here are some considerations:

Accuracy: Prick-free devices should be as accurate as traditional methods such as test strips and glucometers. Variations in accuracy could affect treatment decision-making, especially in people with diabetes who require precise glucose control.

Calibration: Some of these devices may require periodic calibration to maintain accuracy. Failure to properly calibrate could affect the reliability of the readings.

Interferences: Factors such as temperature, humidity and interference from chemicals on the skin could affect the accuracy of the results.

Regulatory approvals: Approval from regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, can provide some assurance of quality and accuracy. It is important to check whether a device has obtained the necessary approvals. In the FDA's latest warning, February 2024, about the risks of using smart watches and rings that claim to measure blood glucose levels without piercing the skin, it is noted that it has not authorized the use of smart watches or rings for measure blood glucose levels and that use of them could lead to inaccurate blood glucose measurements with potentially life-threatening consequences.

Recommendations

Anyone, whether diabetic or not, who needs regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and is considering purchasing a device to measure blood glucose without needles, should first consult with a health professional.