Diabetes has been declared an epidemic by the World Health Organization. Despite many recent medical advances, the disease remains difficult to manage. One encouraging development is that Cambridge Consultants has devised a way based on wireless Near Field Communication to integrate glucometers and insulin pumps.
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The handheld glucometer records the blood sugar reading and, depending on the level, might recommend a bolus dose of insulin. If the patient accepts the dose, he or she delivers the drug by swiping the glucometer against the pump, even if it's worn beneath clothing. Keeping the patient in the loop enhances confidence and security, and allows dosage calculations in accordance with the user's activities.
Additional benefits include improved dosing accuracy, data logging for compliance monitoring, and a reduction in the amount of handling or disturbing the pump.
The underlying technology could find use as well for pain relief, asthma and respiratory care, gastric electrical stimulation therapy, and treatments for congestive heart failure or urinary urge incontinence. (www.sensorsmag.com/0906/RDPump)