Emerging Technologies: A Glucose Sensor May Put an End to Pinpricks

February 3, 2015 | Crandall & Pera Law
Emerging Technologies: A Glucose Sensor May Put an End to Pinpricks

People with diabetes or any glucose-related health condition must test their glucose levels each day. To do so they take a small sample of blood, usually from the finger. A new sensor developed by the University of California, San Diego may put an end to those blood samples once and for all.

The researchers have developed a stick-on tattoo that “samples interstitial fluid within the skin that contains glucose….” So far the senor has only been tested on seven volunteers, none of whom have diabetes – but all seven were given an accurate glucose reading. It could be the first step towards the end of pinpricks forever.

Diagnosing diabetes


The American Diabetes Association advises people who are at risk of type 2 diabetes can lower their chances of developing the disease by:

  • Eating healthy and maintain a healthy body weight

  • Quitting smoking

  • Exercising more

  • Lowering high blood pressure


If you are at risk, you should ask your doctor to test you for signs of the disease, or for pre-screening to see if you are at risk. You may require a second test to ensure that your glucose levels are the same, since various factors can change your levels. Your doctor may determine that you have developed an insulin resistance, which could lead to diabetes if left untreated.

Diabetes shares a number of symptoms with other health conditions. Some of these conditions can mimic the symptoms of diabetes, so a complete battery of tests is necessary to rule them out. These conditions include:

  • Chronic pancreatitis

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome

  • Carcinoid syndrome

  • Overactive pituitary or adrenal glands

  • Metabolic syndrome


Each of these diseases and conditions can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated, just as diabetes would be.

This is why the new sensor is so exciting. Not only will it making testing glucose levels easier and less painful for people with diabetes, but it could help doctors monitor patients who may be at risk of developing the disease. This could help patients get the help they need more quickly in the future.

Keeping you informed about emerging technologies


Crandall & Pera Law believes that you should have access to the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. It is one of the many services we offer to our clients throughout Ohio and Kentucky. If you have questions about your rights as a patient, please contact us for more information.