Diabetes Technology

Meters & Monitors

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Monitoring Today

None of these companies is even close to offering a closed-loop system, although both Disetronic in the ADICOL project and Medtronic have begun research in animals, as well as in humans with the ADICOL project in Europe and a clinic in France respectively. In 2003, we are several years away from being able to deliver insulin based on the readings gathered from a device. The ability to create a successful closed loop, however, is closer today due to the arrival of faster insulins, the ability to deliver insulin directly into the peritoneal cavity with devices like Disetronic's Diaport device, and development of longer-lasting internal sensors. But as they become available, you will still be the person responsible for using this technology to control your readings!

All of the devices above measure glucose in interstitial fluid (ISF), a relatively clear fluid that surrounds cells. Glucose levels in ISF are about 10% lower than whole blood levels, which are in turn about 10% lower than plasma glucose readings. Depending on the device, users may be required to sort out the jargon between blood glucose measurements, ISF measurements (about 10% lower than whole blood) and serum levels measured at the lab (about 10% higher than whole blood).

ISF glucose also falls earlier and rises later than does blood glucose. These timing differences may provide an earlier reading for lows, but a 15 or 20 minute delay in the ISF reading as a person waits for their meter to say they're OK.

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