TBAN – Terahertz Body Area Network for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Globally, diabetes is at epidemic proportions and needs to be addressed. To date, there is no cure for diabetes and people with diabetes must self-manage this life-long condition. A central aspect of self-management is concerned with blood glucose monitoring. The dominant method for monitoring blood glucose levels is invasive; it typically requires a blood glucose meter, a lancet device plus test strips. Monitoring frequency depends on treatment type – people using insulin typically need to prick their finger 4-6 times a day or more. Finger-pricking has several disadvantages: a) Culturally, many people dislike using sharp objects and seeing blood; b) Psychologically, many people with diabetes report increased anxiety concerning finger-pricking, and the discomfort and inconvenience of the procedure; c) Clinically, there is a risk of infection and damage to the finger tissue. Further, finger-prick glucose monitoring is not designed to support continuous monitoring of blood glucose. Given that finger-prick monitoring devices provide only a snapshot of blood glucose at a specific time-point, many instances of hyperglycemia or hypoglycaemia may go undetected and unrecorded. Thus, the resultant monitoring outcomes may not fully represent the overall blood glucose pattern. METHOD: To design and develop a non-invasive blood glucose system using tera-hertz technology, we are following a design science research methodology> once the prototype is developed it will then be assessed for usability and fidelity in a clinical trial. RESULTS: To date, we have completed initial testing in the specialised lab to isolate the signatures for sugar in water solutions. The next phase is to test glucose in blood and then to develop the working prototype solution. CONCLUSIONS: There exists an important opportunity for a prudent, non-invasive technology solution to measure blood glucose which will be of significant benefit to individuals suffering from diabetes.