Today, the FDA has approved the first continuous blood sugar monitor that DOES NOT REQUIRE a finger prick blood sample. As society continues to make advances in modern day technology, I’ve always wondered about a device that can measure one’s blood sugar without the dreaded finger prick. To me this seems like we have reached the future.
The device from Abbot’s Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System uses a small sensor wire that is inserted under the skin on the back of the upper arm. The wearable sensor is about the size of a bottle cap and in order to get a reading, you would need to wave a hand-held reader over sensor which would provide you with the real-time blood glucose level and also the changes in the level for the last eight hours. The reader can store data for up to 90 days. The sensor is powerful enough that it can also be scanned over clothing.
This device is recommended for people age 18 and older and can be worn for 10 days before requiring to be switched to a new one. The sensor is reportedly water-resistant and can be worn in the shower and while swimming.
The cost of the Libre would cost about $140 for the sensor and reader and a years worth one reader and 26 sensors would cost about $1,900.
Ever since receiving the approval, Abbott shares has jumped from 3.6 percent to $54.
While I was working as a pharmacy technician, I remembered seeing a patient with prick marks on all ten fingers. I had no idea what to do or say and even wondered to myself if it was worth it to go through the finger pricks all day and check my blood glucose.
Abbot’s Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System is really a game changer to people with diabetes. I think probably in a couple years, we won’t see any pharmacies with the blood glucose pricks and test paper.
original article can be found on techcrunch and bloomberg
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