Researchers led by Bioengineering Professor David Gough at UCSD have reported, in a paper in Science Translational Medicine, that they implanted a wireless telemetry CGM in two pigs (222 and 520 days, respectively) and the device was successfully reporting glucose levels to an external receiver. Following human testing and FDA approval, devices such as these could replace similar systems that are external to the body with a needle-attachment that pierces the skin to take measures. Combined with potential transdermal or intranasal insulin administration, this technology could lead to less sticking and poking of diabetics.
From the abstract:
The sensor detects glucose via an enzyme electrode that is based on differential electrochemical oxygen detection, which reduces the sensitivity of the sensor to encapsulation by the body, variations in local microvascular perfusion, limited availability of tissue oxygen, and inactivation of the enzymes. After an initial 2-week stabilization period, the implanted sensors maintained stability of calibration for extended periods. The lag between blood and tissue glucose concentrations was 11.8 ± 5.7 and 6.5 ± 13.3 minutes (mean ± standard deviation), respectively, for rising and falling blood glucose challenges. The lag resulted mainly from glucose mass transfer in the tissues, rather than the intrinsic response of the sensor, and showed no systematic change over implant test periods. These results represent a milestone in the translation of the sensor system to human applications.
Full abstract in STM: Function of an Implanted Tissue Glucose Sensor for More than 1 Year in Animals
Press release: Implanted glucose sensor works for more than 1 year…
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