Hi-tech patch could end the pain of needle tests for diabetes sufferers

Thousands of people with diabetes are to get  access to a life-changing device which spells an end to painful finger pricks.

Health bosses last night announced the hi-tech patch will be available on  prescription for the first time.

The device, a sensor the size of a £2 coin, automatically reads blood sugar levels from the cells just below the skin and sends it to a smartphone.

It means patients no longer have to subject themselves to the frequent and painful finger pricks currently required to monitor glucose levels.

Major studies have shown the technology significantly improves the patients’ health because they have much better information about blood sugar peaks and troughs, and so are better able to manage their condition.

The device is particularly valuable for people with type 1 diabetes - an autoimmune disease which means the body cannot produce its own insulin, stopping proper regulation of blood sugar.

The type 1 form affects a lot of people, usually first striking in childhood or adolescence, and everyone with the condition has to constantly monitor their blood sugar levels to check whether they need an insulin injection.

It is thought to be especially useful for parents of children with type 1 diabetes, who are able to collect data from the patch by swiping it with a smartphone, even when their child is asleep.

And when they are at school they can monitor it remotely, because if a teacher or nurse swipes the patch the data is automatically sent to their phone.

The device could also help the 25 per cent of patients with type 2 diabetes who are insulin dependent.

The system works by a 35mm-wide patch which is placed on the back of the upper arm.

A tiny filament - the width of three human hairs - goes through the upper level of the skin and reads the glucose levels in the substance between skin cells.

The information is transferred from the patch to a smartphone via a ‘flash sensing’ system– the same technology used for some card payments.

Each patch lasts two weeks before it is replaced.

‘Flash glucose monitoring can free people living with diabetes from the pain and rigour of frequent finger-prick testing, and puts them in greater control of their condition.

 

‘Newer technologies can make daily life with type 1 diabetes much easier. Each and every person with type 1 diabetes who wants this technology, and would benefit, should receive it.’

‘Living with diabetes can be difficult and stressful which is why this government is working hard to ensure patients have access to a wide range of appropriate products and treatments to help them manage their condition.

‘With the patch now available the patients have an exciting and innovative option to consider to help monitor their condition and prevent any long term complications.’

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.
 PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-                      
HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/
FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                              

HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/
FOR CROCHET DESIGNS
HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM