A new handheld ‘breathalyzer’ device developed by researchers at Western New England University may someday allow diabetics to monitor their blood-glucose levels in a less painful way. Diabetes affects an estimated 26 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Currently, the best way for diabetics to monitor their disease is with a blood-glucose test, which requires patients to prick their finger with a needle, often several times a day. While minimally invasive, the procedure can still be a nuisance to diabetics. “You hear that one of the common complaints among the diabetic community is the needle prick, even though it’s minimally invasive, it’s still an invasive technology,” Ronny Priefer, a professor of medicinal chemistry at Western New England University told FoxNews. “And even knowing you’re only going to feel a little prick, if its six to seven times a day it’s going to decrease compliance and a lot of complications come from a lack of compliance with this well-established technology, the blood glucose test.” foxnews/health/2013/11/13/new-breathalyzer-technology-may-allow-diabetics-to-skip-finger-pricks/?intcmp=obnetwork
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 12:43:28 +0000