Where's My Bloodless Blood Sugar Monitor?

There are about 450 million diabetics around the world, and while we do already have a reliable way of measuring blood sugar, it requires patients to prick their finger each time they want a reading. Is there a better way?
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Sources:
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dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/bi...
www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/1...
www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/17/1/1...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2...
reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd...
www.sciencedirect.com/science...
www.niddk.nih.gov/health-info...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2...
link.springer.com/article/10....
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[@GwendolynFarms]

As a nurse in Australia, we use a device which uses an implant then all you have to do is swipe the glucometer over the sensor. Check out freestyle libre. Brilliant. Gives readings for 8 hours and the readings can be uploaded to your computer or sent to your endocrinologist.

[@SarahC214]

Okay, but the last one isn't fundamentally different from CGM. CGMs literally measure properties of interstial fluid to determine changes in glucose--they have to be calibrated because everyone's body is different and without calibration the data is meaningless. All these methods are legit, but like CGM they'd require calibration via fingersticks because they're measuring relative changes which can vary from one person to the next. But most importantly,all of these have inherent delays in the amount of glucose in the fluid they're measuring and the actual blood glucose. Blood glucose changes can be and are significantly more rapid than can ever be measured via anything but the blood itself. Additionally, they're not nearly as accurate as they're made out to be in this video, I'm rather disappointed in scishow, frankly. This is blatantly misleading information. In short, there's literally no way to make a bloodless glucometer, you need access to the material you're measuring in order to measure it's properties. The phrase 'bloodleas glucometer' is literally an oxymorn. I've been type 1 for sixteen years, until we find a way to do an implant of some sort, we can't avoid fingersticks for accurate BG measurements.

[@SarahC214]

@@GwendolynFarms have you not heard of the minimed 670G? The guardian sensors only need to be calibrated every 12 hours, and only need to be changed once a week. and the pump connected to the CGM can work via a closed loop system to manage blood sugar. And the meter that's used to calibrate them works as a USB stick you can use to download information from your pump.

[@GwendolynFarms]

SarahC214 That sounds brilliant. I was only referring to an alternative to the finger prick. I am a community nurse and pumps are a surgical thing which we really have no input to. But these sensors are something we can institute straight away and it improves the lives of our patients instantly. We have come a long way in the management of diabetes and with more type 2 becoming insulin dependent, particularly in the elderly, the less trauma we can inflict on people, the better. Pumps are really good for active young people but often with varying comorbidities, pumps aren't yet at the stage where implants to the elderly are safe. I'm glad, at very least, that we live in an era where insulin is available readily and technology is fast improving the lives of those with diabetes.

[@TojiFushigoroWasTaken]

Hello...i think you missed another method of measuring blood glucose....its Near infra red spectroscopy or NIR based glucometer.....as a student who has a working project on this i can assure you that it works :) Awesome video as always.....good job😁

[@lilvampire7439]

Just in time for me to get diagnosed with type 1 diabetes

[@josiahklein70]

RIP, Lil' Vampire.

[@AJ-xm4xc]

Type 1?

[@Brannon1009]

Congrats

[@curiousfirely]

Welcome to the club!! There are some very shirty moments, but the hard work feels good when things go well.

[@astromorphs-are-qu]

Enjoy the honeymoon phase while you can

[@garrettmartin792]

Most continuous glucose monitors already don't use blood, which is why they aren't called blood sugar monitors. They are testing the interstitial fluid, just like the patch referenced in the video. However, they are doing it with a very thin needle that goes under your skin at a really shallow angle, so it's fair to say that they are still somewhat invasive. The most modern CGMs also don't require calibration anymore so if you're lucky and wealthy (holy crap are they expensive in the U.S. even with good insurance) enough to have one, you don't have to prick your finger anymore.

[@curiousfirely]

Although the newer Blood Glucose sensors don't NEED calibration, I often find they are even more accurate with calibration at the beginning of each sensor. But that sure beats the 3 to 5 x daily calibration of early sensors!!

[@TheRealSlimLeif]

I live in Sweden and get to use the FreeStyle Libre (which also tests interstitially) for no cost at all. It's not a CGM but holy crap has it changed my life. 10/10 would recommend

[@hilowize]

I found in the short time I used the free style libre (I think the sensor you’re talking about), but I found putting pressure on or around the sensor was painful, which made it difficult to sleep in certain positions. It also made it more difficult to do the crow pose. Hard to recommend given the price, but it does give continuous data, which can be pretty useful

[@teresa7898]

My dexcom g6 is only $30 a month with insurance somehow and it’s such a lifesaver

[@TheRealSlimLeif]

Alex Stedman so far I rarely experience any pain caused by continuous use, although sometimes you tend to get a suboptimal application (in proximity to a sensitive nerve or whatever) which can cause the pain you're describing. I will say that itches are very common and I wish that the glue wasn't so harsh on my skin. Changing spots is very important, at least for me

[@patrickmccurry1563]

The mouth guard sounds useful for knowing one's level during sleep. I once went hypo while sleeping, then due to my body's emergency "bounce back", ended up waking with a very high level.

[@BuddyL]

Let's definitely make that saliva 💧 option happen.

[@dickJohnsonpeter]

Why aren't they? He said it works so they are just not making them for no reason at all.

[@toxygen0013]

@@dickJohnsonpeter Do you have any idea how much money big pharm would lose if they didn't have to sell test strips and finger stabbies? I'll be shocked if we ever see the saliva test.

[@dickJohnsonpeter]

@@toxygen0013 big pharma would be making more money selling saliva tests and the strips for those.

[@wizardtim8573]

I'd rather see more development in the skin test. Imagine glancing at your watch and seeing all your vitals displayed next to the time of day o.o

[@donnacastel3568]

I just got a continuous glucose monitor and I love it. . I am more aware than Ever of what I am eating and I have brought my number down to normal from a 10 in about 6 to 8 weeks. To me this is the greatest thing that has ever happened for a diabetic. They do not hurt and they are very reliable. Anyone with diabetes, I would urge to consider getting one.

[@zext54]

Where can you buy this

[@Nancydrewluvr]

Since I started using my freestyle libre I haven't used a single finger test. It says in the instruction book that you don't have to. It is the best thing I've ever had in 13 years to manage my diabetes and you'll have to wrench it from my cold, dead hands before I switch to anything else

[@AJ-xm4xc]

That one seems really awesome, because you can get continuous readings.

[@harlanbaker7476]

Must be nice to afford it

[@Nancydrewluvr]

@@harlanbaker7476 my insurance pays for it. They are covered by most insurance companies in Canada as far as I'm aware

[@curiousfirely]

I LOVE my Libre too!! The Libre on its own does continuous, but not 'live' readings. You have to scan it with a reader, which uses NFC technology (same as Apple Pay.) I have an unofficial bridge for mine, that sends readings continuously to my phone and smart watch.

[@curiousfirely]

@@harlanbaker7476 The Freesyle Libre, pictured in the video, is actually much more affordable than most continuous glucose monitors. They are still hideously expensive, but this new lower cost entry into the market has helped make it accessible to more people (myself included.)

[@jamesthesuperdued]

Make a video talking about the inner workings of each part of a complete metabolic panel. How do we know how much sodium and potassium in a blood sample, for example.

[@douglasmcneil8413]

A pulse oximeter is a common tool for measuring the oxygen level of a persons blood By shinning a Laser through a finger tip and detecting the changes in the light on the other side of the finger. Kind of like putting your hand over the end of a flashlight. You can see red light coming through your hand and maybe make out the shadow of the bones in your hand. You can check someone's blood alcohol level with a breathalyzer test. If a passive testing device for blood glucose level can be inexpensive, accurate, and simple to use it well help some reluctant Diabetics be more willing to stay in compliance with their medical needs. Which, in the long run will reduce overall treatment costs from complications resulting from poorly controlled Diabetes.

[@megantaylor2871]

Honestly, as an older sister of a diabetic brother, bloodless glucose testing would be life changing. Children can be diagnosed as early as infancy and they have to be tested frequently because very low or high blood sugars are a serious health risk (think seizures, coma, death, neuropathy, blindness, etc). But this means stabbing the baby or child multiple times every day if the family doesn’t have access to a continuous glucose monitor. All the injections are painful to the kids and can cause hard callouses and scarring. Imagine if instead of pricking your child for a blood sample, you could just swab a bit of saliva from their mouth. I hope this tech comes soon!

[@Master_Therion]

In other words, until one of these methods is successful, all glucose monitoring has been in vein.

[@ADHDerailed]

Lol I appreciate you.

[@wasd____]

This needs more upvotes.

[@philosophymeetcomedy]

Just to clarify, you do not need to calibrate or validate the Freestyle Libre (the continuous glucose monitor you show in the video). We recommend patients do check via blood if their sugars are reporting lows on the meter since there can be a lag time for the interstitial space to be low compared to the blood, and it can sometimes report false lows. You DO have to calibrate other CGMs (e.g. Dexcom).

[@johnbray7887]

I’ve been diabetic for 10 years. Just got a patch to monitor my blood sugar and it is the best thing ever!!

[@nebraskagains967]

Im buying one for my dad hopefully it makes.him feel this way to

[@elesjohn1751]

I bought Waterproof Nightrider BluCon a couple of months back and libre sensor to see readings on my Apple Watch. A great product to use. According to me, every diabetic person should have one.

[@kristiejess9669]

I have BluCon and it is working really well with my Libre14 days, I love their LinkBluCon app as it is very easy to use and alerts me when reading are low.

[@dareenrose6550]

@@kristiejess9669 Blucon Nightrider has saved my life and I wish more diabetics had the opportunity to use it.

[@willamcars1]

Pulling it from saliva actually makes sense. If my blood sugar is really high, I can taste the sweetness in my spit

[@floradean3190]

I am using Abbott's FreeStyle Libre with Ambrosia's blucon and can get my glucose readings on my apple watch even without the phone. I can share readings with upto 5 people in almost real-time. Can get alarms and my loved one can also get an alarm if my glucose is out of range.

[@johnlewis4307]

That's nice Flora, I just bougth NightRider few months back and it really works amazingly with my Libre14 days.

[@ex-nerd]

The continuous monitor you show (actually a "flash glucose monitor" because you still need to wave a reader up to it to check the numbers) doesn't need to be calibrated (in fact, one of the largest complaints about that model is that you *can't* calibrate it). The one I wear also doesn't need to be calibrated (and yet, I can do so, just in case -- and I do so 2-3x/week rather than the 7-8x/day I used to check). All CGMs (and the one FGM) on the market already measure interstitial fluid, not blood. And I do get my numbers right on my apple watch. You also totally missed the "really cool" category of measurement devices using EKG (wrist-worn device currently about the side of a deck of cards) and cell phone cameras (light reflected from phone screen passes through finger and is picked up by the camera).

[@TrashyMan]

Thumbs up from a fellow g6 User :)

[@bradwilliams7198]

There are also some purely spectroscopic methods being developed and tested (basically, just shining a laser into your skin). These have the advantage that they don't use any consumables (e.g. test strips) which is where the cost becomes excessive.

[@ex-nerd]

Even better, there's one that just uses a cell phone camera and a big pile of machine learning: physicsworld.com/a/smartphone-camera-measures-blood-glucose-concentration/

[@imderanged5402]

@@ex-nerd That looks very cool, but it does use a blood sample.

[@mirashah3397]

I could not find anything more reliable than FreeStyle Lire with the NightRider, if readings are off I am able to calibrate and have readings updates every 5 minutes, alarms for out of range, fast rise, fast fall etc.., and also can share readings

[@mohitbansal5130]

I use Ambrosia blucon from last 6 months and check my glucose values on phone every 5 minutes is helping me to monitor my glucose levels. I tried connected it with my android watch and working great. Being a sports person carrying my phone is not possible when I'm on ground. Blucon has fulfilled my purpose. I recommended to many diabetic people and all are satisfied with the performance of Blucon.

[@henryverghese2209]

i am using blucon too and I am avery satisfied with this and I too recommend it to all diabetics

[@ed_weird]

I'm getting better, stopped right after "while waiting for them to arrive" at 4:27. Keep up the good work, though.

[@Zarraeda]

Just to throw in a little aside, T1D, and my Dexcom G6 (traditionally only approved for use for 10 days) is reliable 99+% of the time and never requires calibration, and I have yet to determine the maximum amount of time I can wear a single sensor before it becomes inaccurate, as I end up changing it to make room for my Omnipod due to site rotations long before it fails (1month average, 1.5 to 2 longest thus far). Just requires intercepting the kill command from the transmitter, modifying the application or intercepting the applications kill command, or using an app like xDrip which does it for you (and provides more advanced information and predictive algorithms). G6 measures within interstitial fluid btw, the future was a few years ago :p finally now you no longer require calibrations Obviously, everyone's mileage would vary and by no means is it medical advice, but eliminating finger pricks and not requiring testing is already a thing of the past (minus the sensor insertion, anyways). Individual results might prevent 1 person from getting 1+ months, but they will surely last longer than the 10 static days, excluding obscenely rare scenarios (all of which are easily detectable just by looking at the sensor output readings). If it's because of cost, convenience, or accuracy, or you're new to T1D and need assistance with any of the above, there are many great write-ups online detailing explicitly what you need to do, and many people will be more than willing to assist as needed myself included. Some of this can apply to T2D, but for the most part modifying intake and activity is sufficient to control it in its entirety. This is from the perspective of T1D - if my readings are wrong I can die, so like all technology it is best to not only become proficient in it but also to invest time into learning all you can about it, lest you become a slave to your ignorance and end up hoping it always works. Ditch the anxiety and control it instead :D /endbook -There is much misinformation in the field of endocrinology, and red tape concerning legality due to potential lawsuits, which in the end only harm the patients for the sake of protecting the businesses. It's unfortunately up to the diabetics to roughly figure everything out themselves - the amount of blatantly incorrect or downright dangerous misinformation present is not something easily seen until you lack an essential for human life hormone. If this benefits at least a single person then that is a good enough place to start.

[@Zarraeda]

And apparently many other users of CGMs were here as well, so mostly just parroting their comments concerning the G6^

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

I have no idea, I think the monitor lizard escaped its terrarium

[@pierreabbat6157]

Varanus glycaemiae?

[@TheTenthBlueJay]

Mrs. Kipling!

[@andydurbin8309]

My Dexcom measures my blood sugar with interstitial fluid. so I don't need a patch, already have my Dexcom attached to my skin

[@bartwilson2513]

You should watch the whole episode!

[@gluteusmaximus8881]

You should watch the whole episode!

[@SD-ir1vf]

@@bartwilson2513 If you have a Dexcom that’s it, you don’t need anything else.

[@asifshuja8638]

Is there any watch measures Glucose in body without Body patch. Rough Price? How to Order. Thanks

[@SD-ir1vf]

@@asifshuja8638 The watch is only a Bluetooth hook up for what the Dexcom already did.

[@EyeconicLaura]

I’m type 1 diabetic. The Dexcom G6, which is the continuous glucose monitor I use, does not require fingersticks. I can’t remember the last time I pricked my finger, but my readings are almost always perfectly accurate. They’ve been off maybe twice.

[@SarahOpossum]

Wow really? My mom is type 1, I dont know the name of her monitor but she has to prick once every 12 hours to keep it calibrated. I wonder if the better moniter wasnt covered by our insurance

[@ash4o444]

I use the same one, I just got it a few days ago and so far it's so much easier than the finger sticks before every meal

[@stephaniechaparro]

Mentions a "continuous' glucose monitor yet proceeds to show a 'flash' glucose monitor 😂 -From: a Type 1 Diabetic

[@gluteusmaximus8881]

F

[@maxmustermann1455]

It's basically the same thing, I'll give then a pass on that. But what's totally wrong is that they need to be calibrated with finger sticks. Neither the Freestyle Libre, which they've shown in the video, nor the Dexcom G6 require it. Heck, even the G5 can go without. It'll prompt you to calibrate, but I'd always just ignored it and accuracy was still fine.

[@stephaniechaparro]

@@maxmustermann1455 Similar devices I guess so but a FGM only checks your blood sugar when you swipe the "meter" over it whereas a CGM checks your BG automatically about every 5 minutes. One difference but a pretty major difference

[@maxmustermann1455]

@@stephaniechaparro It actually checks your blood sugar just as often. Every 5 minutes. The actual difference is, that the sensor/transmitter doesn't send the reading automatically to your monitoring device. So the only practical difference is, that you don't have any alarms. And even that isn't the case anymore when it comes to the 2nd gen Libre. It still doesn't transmit your glucose readings, but can send out alarms to your phone and the reader. So I wouldn't call that a "pretty major difference". In practice it really isn't. The only reason a true CGM (dexcom G6) is more beneficial for me personally, is that I'm running a custom closed loop (AndroidAPS). But most people don't do that anyway. For most people almost everything else (for example the adhesive used) is more important than the difference between CGM and FGM.

[@charliekay2284]

@@maxmustermann1455 yeah currently just got my g6 on the nhs love it as a result of 0 calibrations but still got to do my finger prick on my freestyle expert for bolus flm xD

[@Karlajo70]

Thank was just talking to my students about this today. Interesting extension ideas.

[@-4subscriberswithahammerad521]

Where is my waterless water bottle?

[@jaybellsaoi1228]

Touché.

[@zu.kki8]

Jaybells Jemson indeed, tochué

[@terryboyer1342]

I'm working on an instant water powder. You just add water. I'm gonna be rich!

[@feifeifeifeife]

Aren't must water bottles mustly waterless? (Aluminum and plastic ones)

[@qazaq25]

They don't normally put it on the label for most bottles but generally they can be used waterlessly, you just turn it upside down and remove the cap for a bit. Then BAM waterless bottle.

[@brookebain7250]

Type 1 diabetic here 😁😁 I am getting a cgm soon

[@02MaDdOg02]

As a type one diabetic, I find these methods hilarious! “Hang on let me put on my diabetes glasses” 😂

[@SD-ir1vf]

I like the was they dismissed the CGM. When that is the best idea.

[@mktemple476]

YAY!!!! I was offered an insulin pump back before I got my transplantes pancreas, but I never really minded the insulin shots themselves. But those finger sticks were the bane of my exictance, and I do not miss them one little bit.

[@singingsiren82]

Wait. You got a transplanted pancreas? That's awesome. I mean, it sucked you needed one, but great you got one.

[@mktemple476]

@@singingsiren82 - it was optional, and it came with the kidney I needed because #T1D had killed my kidneys.But the pancreas mae a bigger difference in my lifestyle than the kidney did - no more daily insulin injections, no more finger sticks, no more worrying about every single bite I ate. :)

[@singingsiren82]

@@mktemple476 that's really great. My ex husband was a T1d and some days it was really rough

[@dudebro765]

@@mktemple476 So now you're diabetes free?

[@mktemple476]

@@dudebro765 - The blood sugar issues - yes. The complications that came from 30+ years of #T1D - no. My native kidneys are still shot, the retinopathy has left me Legally Blind, and the peripheral vascular damage is still visible on X-ray. But the skin on my fingertips has softened back up again now that I don't need to prick my fingers every couple of hours!

[@prashantvicky]

As always, great video.

[@animebuddy264]

I love this so much. I’ve had type 1 diabetes since September 2016, and had an insulin pump since 2018. This technology is incredible, and such great news for those of us that rely on fingerpricks to measure blood glucose

[@rigrentals5297]

This helps me in my healthcare career. thank you scishow.

[@donnacastel3568]

john vidal I paid $60 For 3 months of the device that goes in the arm & a 1 time fee for the monitor of $13 with regular insurance. No extra help ..Just a medicare plan. So I will be spending $60 every 3 months at this point & that is cheaper than I expected . My numbers went from horrible to normal in a few weeks . I have energy again , my skin looks better , & my hair is thicker every day. I think SUGAR ruins both health & appearance. We really are what we eat ! I finally accepted that after looking for years for a way to keep. Eating my junk food.

[@shreyarastogi7303]

Thanks for sharing, I am using the FreeStyle Libre Pro sensor with Ambrosia BluCon device in India. I get glucose readings on my phone and watch every time. Also, their Linkblucon app tracks how exercise, food, insulin impacts my blood glucose values. BluCon helps me a lot with my diabetes.

[@ferociousmaliciousghost]

Next: Where is my radioactive potassium monitor?

[@gabriantolegend]

A Random Rock I call the big one Bitey.

[@andy56duky]

You gotta P.

[@TheBigBigBlues]

The device you show at 1:54, uses the method you describe at 3:53 FYI. Nice Video :)

[@curiousfirely]

The device pictured, Freestyle Libre, actually uses a small filiment under the skin to sense blood glucose. They don't bleed often, but I CAN confirm from having them bleed in the past that they are (sadly) not just a patch over the skin.

[@Selur91]

I've worn that device, it's not a skin patch, it actually goes under the skin and needs a special applicator for the thin needle sensor.

[@miajones7109]

Blucon measures every 5 minute blood glucose without me pricking myself and shows me on my mobile screen. I use Blucon with libre sensor for my diabetes management

[@WolvenSpectre]

I also saw somewhere that in Europe a University is working on indexing conductivity between 2 sides of a finger matched to the Infra Red analysis of the blood flow of the finger and thus the heart rate as well. If it works though they will have to be regularly tuned until they can make the devices smart enough to learn and adjust on their own. Appeareently the amount of glucose and how fluid the blood is alters the resistance/conductance of electrical fields. The hard part is most of it will want to travel around the finger on the skin, and you have to filter that out to see the changes in conductance through the finger during analysis. That and not using so much electricity to cause discomfort.

[@angelemmanuelperezmuniz1474]

Even with all the drawbacks on each method I'm really happy to se so many alternatives. They can easily adapt to many situations and budgets.

[@alex.thedeadite]

FreeStyle Libre Flash is already on the market, I believe it uses the patch/interstitial fluid method.

[@curiousfirely]

The Libre sensor has a filiment about 0.5 in/1cm that goes into the skin. The 'sensing' is done at the bottom of that filiment, within fatty tissue.

[@alex.thedeadite]

@@curiousfirely True, after my comment, I double checked it. But, it is a patch and it does measure interstitial fluid instead of blood. It is bloodless, though not painless.

[@SD-ir1vf]

@@alex.thedeadite Freestyle libre is painless

[@davidwoodruff2890]

Freestyle LIBRE show at 1:55 in this video uses interstitial fluid.

[@Big5ocks]

Asking the real questions!

[@caroljomartin3051]

That was really interesting! I wondered how that worked! I'd love to see a video that explains what makes a protein a protein.

[@melisaroberson2209]

Amino acid. Lots of em.

[@wasd____]

Proteins are 1. made of amino acids, and 2. perform some sort of function determined by the structural shape they fold into as a result of electrical charge interactions between those amino acids. That's a huge oversimplification, but it's the nutshell version of what makes a protein a protein in the broadest terms.

[@smartereveryday]

All I can think about now is rabbits wearing contact lenses.

[@doge504]

how come YOU only have 8 likes...

[@guffels]

The FreeStyle Libre system that already exists is one of the best non-prick methods and is already on the market. Fairly expensive at $40-$50 per patch but early adopter tax is high in the pharmaceutical industry. Most of the patients I work with love them.

[@psycobasschick]

My mom had a blood sugar dog (aka diabetes alert dog who figured it out himself). He was a hound who passed last year. Least invasive sugar testing method since my mom and I have severe reactive hypoglycemia (it can be more dangerous than uncontrolled diabetes because there is no real treatment for it and it does it's own thing) which only allows for finger sticks. I miss that dog. He would check our sugar by licking our palms (aerosolizing the sweat to sniff, he was nose controlled). If mom's was low, he would harass her to get food. Me, he still harassed mom. I grew up not eating a lot of sugar because it could cause a blackout.

[@presto709]

I have a Dexcom monitor that gives me over 200 data points a day with no finger pricks. If you have diabetes ask your doctor about it. It's life-changing.

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

_"Where's My Bloodless Blood Sugar Monitor?"_ With Theranos. _"Ignorance is Strength." I'm weak._

[@markusklettke4841]

I would love a gadget that could messure fasting bloood insulin levels! Even though bloodsugar could be normal range, your insulin could be so high elevated ( pre diabetic or insulin resistent) that could help more people too.

[@katk925]

Dexcom G6 series does not require blood calibration anymore. Came out a little before this video. I’ve been using one over a year and now go weeks without finger sticks.

[@melisaroberson2209]

I'm happy with Continuous Glucose Monitoring that already exists. Getting that more reliable and affordable is where we need to focus. Forget this contact noise. Replacing the job of vital organ is going to be a little invasive. Get over it.

[@BrokeBoyGaminghtx]

Stfu

[@AlCatSplat]

Eventually we will have a device that is completely non-invasive, but that is a long way off.

[@AM-qc4qt]

I would love to see you make a video about the history (and future) of diabetes and how it has been treated throughout the years.

[@chillaxter13]

Implantable false tooth sensor... One minor surgery and done with bleeding. Could access both saliva and occasional blood, since the vein that feeds a tooth is very shallow in the jaw...

[@soccer0414]

The new constant glucose monitor (cgm) from dexcom (the dexcom g6) actually doesn't require any calibration finger sticks!

[@soccer0414]

I'm type 1 diabetic by the way, and this devise is a life saver! Literally, it saves my life by detecting low blood sugars I can't feel.

[@coopFortress]

I have t1 My dexcom g6 requires no finger sticks and i love it

[@dmcepeda]

This was a good health related question.

[@Beryllahawk]

Probably not happening in my husband's lifetime, but what a great thought that someday people might have better options than now for managing diabetes.

[@PajamaMan44]

The sweat and interstitial fluid actually has a bit of lag time and are not preferred. Look up why the old Glucowatches were ditched and never revived if you want to learn more. I doubt any of these other methods are as good as pointed out here based off of this overlook

[@nathanielschwartz5729]

Wait wait, huge shoutout to the Dexcom G6 that is an FDA approved continuous glucose monitor with 10-day wear time that requires NO fingerstick calibration! It’s a total game changer and wasn’t mentioned at all! It uses a tiny electrode placed under the skin in the interstitial fluid, held in place with an adhesive patch.

[@jeffreybernath6627]

I am diabetic, and I would rather stick my finger than poke myself in the eye.

[@DanielSultana]

Jeffrey Bernath but wouldn't you rather lick a glucostrip?

[@mjbe]

Might be nice to have multiple options though... price competition and tactics that you can make fit your life and "stage" (for lack of a better word) of disease. Not an expert though, just reading up a lil because of a family member's T2 dx.

[@SD-ir1vf]

They could make different flavor lick strips. Bourbon and chocolate

[@rickharold69]

Bring it !

[@losttribe3001]

In 1993 I read an article where they were researching using a laser to calculate blood sugar....26 years ago. Wow. How far we have NOT come.

[@wolfy8006]

Medical Technologist here. Using laser to calucate will be disrupted by the amount of cholesterol in your blood.

[@jessiekozlosky2148]

Honestly, having to prick my finger is the least of the nuisances I have with treating my T1D. Compared to all the other crap I have to do to manage it, pricking my finger is nothing.

[@patrickmccurry1563]

I'm type 2 but very rigidly controlled, and I agree. That bit showing someone jabbing the absolute most sensitive part of the finger made me cringe. I feel that maybe that's why nearly everyone complains about how painful it is. They only jab the worst part of their fingertip.

[@patrickmccurry1563]

I admit that it can be frustrating to not know without multiple checks within an hour or so whether my level is rising, falling, or staying the same.

[@HootMaRoot]

In the UK we already use the patch and you take readings from it with a monitor. Also this has been used for a few years now and is a proven technology

[@julliethomas8191]

Thanks for the video, I am using Freestyle Libre sensor with Ambrosia Blucon and check the glucose values on my phone directly without scanning the sensor and reader. Also, the app gives me updates with voice alerts when my glucose values go down.

[@maheshkarthick8447]

Year 2050 - scientists still working on bloodless sugar monitor!

[@cbpd89]

A non-stick method would be a real life saver for parents of young kids with type one. Have you ever tried to stick your kid multiple times a day? How about changing an insulin pump or continuous monitor that requires a little needle entering their body? It's pretty traumatic for a 5 or 6 year old, can take an hour of pleading and screaming fits. Something non invasive would really help!

[@veggiet2009]

But where's the medical tricorder?

[@ketsuekikumori9145]

mmm... those sweet tears of joy.

[@JeremyWS]

My grandma was a diabetic. Also my Mom's cousin is a diabetic. So I might become diabetic too. I don't want that to happen. I would like to avoid that from happening. I really don't want to have to poke myself with a needle. I don't like needle and I am a little blood screamish, so I don't know what to do here. Any suggestions other than prayer would be helpful? [Yes, I do pray because I am religious. Also I love science and math, so keep that in mind too.]

[@Dnugrahari]

Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week and eats lots of vegetables while limiting your simple carbohydrates to about 300-500 grams a day for an active person should work. Depends on your body weight, gender, genes and age, though. Edit: blood screamish? As in, you scream when you see blood?

[@limalicious]

Not just diabetics--I have non-diabetic hypoglycemia. Sticking myself six times a day is not fun.

[@tqit0210]

These concepts are going to help so many people. PS I can confirm that Python is awesome.

[@nielsny310]

What can you use Python for?

[@tqit0210]

@@nielsny310 If you want to make something, you can! It's a programming language. It doesn't use blocks like Scratch or Code.org, but uses text like most other code types. It's possibly the easiest language to pick up/understand and has so many possibilities. You can make games, graphs, Discord bots, AIs, etc. I highly recommend it if programming sounds interesting.

[@nielsny310]

@@tqit0210 Ok, thanks. I'm now learning Java, aftefwards will be Javascript to make apps, web apps etc..

[@tqit0210]

@@nielsny310 There's a whole lot of things you can do with both Java and/or Script and Python. It's very handy to know both.

[@Selur91]

Yeah, if you need to get the code fast and easy but don't mind it being over 20 times slower than the real languages Python is great. There's not much use for it outside prototyping and data crunching(Despite I would recommend R for that last one) but it's great for people that need some code to execute a few times and never use again since it's really fast to write in.

[@katk925]

This is also reminding me to go start a new Dexcom sensor lol. Mine just ended about half an hour ago.

[@johnstewart8849]

For over a decade, I have believed that we could measure A1C in the arterioles at the back of the eye. These are so small that they allow single red blood cells to pass at a time, like a Coulter-Counter. Bounce a laser off of the cells, and the scatter should indicate the degree of glycosylation. I brought this up to an endocrinologist, and she said, “Oh, we don’t pay attention to A1C.” Now it is the gold standard.

[@Selur91]

I don't know what kind of medical monkey would ignore A1C, the glycosylated is the main indicator of the overall progress of the control plan. Many patients don't take enough blood tests(some even lie), and the data that those who do bring is incomplete, since for over 8 hours there's no sleeping data. The A1C has always been the main topic in all my endocrinologist visits for the over two decades I've had type I. And I've had 4 different endocrinologist and even more nurses, they all gave a lot of attention to the A1C. By the way, your method seems lit, but you'll need the patient to hold extremely still, or use some sort of computer vision that can accept movement.

[@johnstewart8849]

Well, that was probably 15 years ago...blood glucose was still the measure.

[@johnstewart8849]

We overcome saccadic movement all the time...I’d see a pocket calculator sized device that you stare into, without blinking, for a few seconds....look at the red barn..... Consider how many scans and datapoints a LIDAR collects in 3 seconds. Only need to do one eye.

[@knexmanmanmanman1781]

i have a 7 day implant sensor i put on the side of my stomach i only have to blood test 2 times a day unless there's some unforeseen issue. my a1c was 14.6 before that now its 7.0

[@mjbe]

I know it's been a long time since the video, but that's awesome! Hope you are still doing well!

[@attygarland6909]

I'm no biomedical scientist, but once I had heard that intraocular pressure (the fluid inside the eye) varies with blood glucose levels, causing a miniscule change in eye shape/size, I wondered if it might be possible to make a gizmo that you could "cup" to your eye (kind of like those things jewelers use to examine jewels under high magnification) that would emit a pulse from a weak/harmless laser beam designed to pass through the opening of the eye, strike the retina, and reflect back to the gizmo. This would be a way to very precisely measure the distance between the surface of the eye and the retina, and hence the size of the eye along that axis. Assuming an accurate algorithmic formula could be developed that correlates that distance to blood glucose levels, seems it would work. ?

[@biotechbasics9752]

Google partnered with Novartis to develop glucose-sensing contact lenses but they cancelled the project last year because the data wasn't reliable enough in tears to take it further. So I'm not sure there is much hope for contact lenses disrupting diabetes monitors

[@ejiro237]

Apparently, google is planning to use their technology of smart contact lens for cataracts

[@MarkWTK]

2:55 lol scientists putting contact lens in a rabbit in the name of science

[@HorsesCanRunFree]

I think I'll stick with my current continuous glucose monitor... It seems less invasive than a mouth guard and I'm not sure I could stick my finger in my eye for a contact lens option

[@bartwilson2513]

But what about a transdermal patch so we don’t have to worry about site rotation to prevent side effects?

[@HorsesCanRunFree]

BJ C that would be nice, but I think it might be a while before it actually exists

[@melisaroberson2209]

Totally agree. I mean, I already ware contact lenses but a lot of diabetics already have issues with retinopathy. Putting foreign objects into places that already tend to be damaged by this disease seems like the wrong direction. Continuing to make CGMs more reliable and affordable would be a much better use of time and money.

[@tinekeknol5837]

Did any other diabetics watching this end up using their glucose monitor to check how much sugar was in their saliva out of curiosity after watching this? no, just me? okay then

[@Quaz.]

I work at the place that makes the adhesive that sticks the libre device to your arm they are the next big thing you scan with your phone. It’s way better than pricking finger look it up

[@MrDrago1954]

This guy and his writer put together a very informative 5 minutes worth of Bloodless Glucose Monitor types. Thank You. But.... I really want to just go buy one at either Amazon or my local drug store NOW Dammit!!!

[@TeddyBear1287]

Dexcom G6 doesn't require finger stick calibrations

[@maxmustermann1455]

neither does the Freestyle Libre shown in the video...

[@elmonni2103]

I've had type 1 diabetes for 21 years. Got a freestyle libre about a year ago, my hba1c has never been this good. Luckily you can get 25 sensors a year for free here in Finland.

[@alyxwithay6516]

What about measuring the air you exhale? Since oxygen exhaled is from your lunges where the blood exchange takes place? Kinda like a blood alcohol reader.

[@wasd____]

Unfortunately, no, glucose doesn't evaporate off as a gas or vapor, so you can't get a reading on blood glucose by measuring anything in exhaled air.

[@kidinthecradleproductions970]

as a type 1 diabetic can you please please please in the future differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. people don’t know the difference and it’s so obnoxious sometimes

[@Selur91]

I totally feel you bro, It's a big pet peeve for me when I see ignorants making the typical jokes linking Diabetes with Obesity and the elderly.

[@patrickmccurry1563]

@@Selur91 There are loads of healthy weight type 2s. I was never sedentary or ate much junk food, yet still developed it by age 38. Even if someone is obese it does NOT mean they deserve disease or deserve treatment.

[@kidinthecradleproductions970]

@@Selur91 frankly it bothers me that even a "scientifically" geared youtube channel for the everyday public cant get it right

[@1stPCFerret]

I have T2D and would love a non-puncture diabetes tester.

[@alberteinstein6040]

Where is my brainless dead brain

[@kyokoyumi]

In the same vein I'm gonna need a medical ketone monitor so my insurance can cover this diet that is necessary to my health (not type II though it would help them too if they did keto as well) please and thank you

[@IamTheHolypumpkin]

Praise exponential progress

[@DannyKeeley]

lmao "eye glasses" where else are you going to wear them?

[@alanboo5664]

I use ambrosia's blucon nightrider and without pricking or scanning it tells me every 5 minutes readings. i have alarms for high and low sugar also with blucon

[@SJR275]

Dexcom g6 doesn't require calibration (cgm)

[@derekofbaltimore]

But how does the lens transfer the information to the handheld device. Do we have super thin, optically transparent Bluetooth chips and antennas?

[@peoplesdreamsneverend2709]

More like Where's my boneless pizza

[@MotherOfWednesday]

Wish there was a way for them to test my INR with out taking blood

[@Sag3brush]

I have a CGM, so i don't have to prick my finger as much, but it still sucks to have to wear. Also, one time when I put it on the needle must have hit a vein or something because I started bleeding. A lot.

[@simplethings3730]

So just what in the hell are you supposed to do if your rabbit doesn't wear contact lenses?😡

[@tdanel]

How about sensors that use light of specific length??