Device may mean the end of painful pricks for diabetics

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June 22, 1999
Web posted at: 2:15 p.m. EDT (1815 GMT)

(CNN) -- An experimental tool for diabetics called the GlucoWatch may make painful needle sticks a thing of the past, according to a new study.

This new device is worn like a watch and is completely painless, reading blood sugar levels right through the skin.

Sixteen million Americans suffer from diabetes. Their bodies cannot properly regulate glucose, or blood sugar. Many are treated with insulin shots, while other use different medications and special diets. Approximately 5 million diabetics regularly test their blood sugar.

Since diabetes can lead to blindness, heart disease and other complications, keeping it under control is vital. To do this, many diabetics must test their blood sugars several times daily. Currently they prick their fingers to get blood that is then tested by a small machine.

In a University of Colorado study of 39 diabetics, the GlucoWatch provided glucose values that were nearly identical to those obtained using traditional monitors.

The study results will be presented Tuesday at the American Diabetes Association meeting in San Diego.

The device, made by Cygnus of Redwood City, California, sends small electric currents into the skin, opening the pores and extracting a tiny amount of glucose fluid.

The fluid is absorbed by a sensor underneath the watch. The sensor readings are then displayed digitally on the watch. Some patients experienced a little tingling or some skin irritation when the device was first put on.

It is hoped that this painless testing method will encourage diabetics to test themselves more often.

The GlucoWatch is designed to be worn continuously by the patient. Glucose readings are taken every 20 minutes for 12 hours.

It even comes with an alarm to let patients know if their blood sugar is too low or too high.

Cygnus has filed for approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market the GlucoWatch. If approved, the device could be on the market within a year.

Powered by a AAA battery, the watchlike device is expected to sell for about $300. This is significantly more expensive than standard monitors, which are only about $100. The sensors on the GlucoWatch are expected to cost about $4 and must be replaced every day. That is twice the price of the test strips used in traditional monitors.

Doctors expect the device will be able to download information into a physician's computer to offer more sophisticated analysis of this lifelong disease. Patients would just be happy to get a break from the needles.

Medical Correspondent Steve Salvatore and The Associated Press contributed to this report.