New modern machine to check sugarImage Credit source: Pexels
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has developed a glucose meter which is latest as well as cheap. The special thing is that along with modular system, features like microneedle sensor are also provided in it. With the help of this machine with modern technology, one can now get rid of the need to prick the needle while checking sugar. In fact, today diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the world. WHO According to the report of India is among those countries of the world where the number of diabetes patients is increasing very rapidly. Crores of people in the country are in prediabetic stage and many are not even aware of it.
Bad eating habits, increasing obesity, stress, lack of physical activity and irregular lifestyle are the main reasons for this. This problem is being seen more in children now than before. If the sugar level remains high continuously then the risk of damage to many organs increases. Therefore monitoring from time to time is necessary. Amidst this growing challenge IIT Madras has developed a prick-free glucose monitoring device, which can provide new convenience to patients.
How does IIT Madras’s new glucose monitoring device work?
This new glucose monitoring device developed by IIT Madras is based on a completely different technology from the traditional finger-prick method. It is a wearable micro-needle patch that is stuck on the skin. The micro-needles present in the patch are very fine and thin, which lightly touch the top layer of the skin without pain. Instead of drawing blood, these needles measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid beneath the skin. This liquid is formed right after our blood flow, so the amount of glucose present in it is exactly the same as that of blood.
The device is divided into two parts: first, the electronic unit to be used and second, a disposable micro-needle patch. The electronic unit takes data from the sensor and displays the sugar level on a low-power display mounted on the same patch, which does not require any mobile app or Bluetooth. This technology is capable of continuously monitoring glucose over a long period of time, so diabetic patients can easily see fluctuations throughout the day.
At present no official name of this device has been released, so it is currently being called Wearable Glucose Monitoring Device or in simple words Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device.
How is sugar level measured?
Normal fasting sugar level is 7099 mg/dL, whereas if it goes above 126 mg/dL then this condition is called high sugar or hyperglycemia. If it is less than 70 mg/dL then it is called low sugar or hypoglycemia A situation is created. As sugar increases, symptoms like fatigue, frequent thirst, excessive hunger and weight loss appear. Low sugar can cause dizziness, sweating, weakness and in severe cases even unconsciousness.
Adopt these methods to control sugar level
Walk or exercise for 30-40 minutes daily.
Eat less sugar, flour and fried foods.
Drink enough water and get enough sleep.
Increase fiber, salad, green vegetables in your diet.
To reduce stress, adopt yoga, meditation or deep breathing.
Keep checking sugar regularly.
Take the medicines prescribed by the doctor on time.