A team of researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Texas A&M University (TAMU), and Florida International University (FIU) have unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in diabetes management with the development of a novel continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. The new system integrates an insertable glucose biosensor with a phosphorescence lifetime imager (PLI) and advanced machine learning algorithms to offer a more reliable and cost-effective solution for real-time glucose monitoring. The findings are in the journal .
Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting over 450 million individuals globally, necessitates continuous and precise glucose monitoring to avoid severe health complications. Traditional glucose monitoring methods often require frequent finger pricking, leading to discomfort and reduced adherence to glucose management regimens. While existing CGM systems have alleviated some of these challenges, they are still associated with , limited sensor lifetimes, and potential tissue irritation due to the invasive nature of electrode insertion.
The new CGM system addresses these limitations by utilizing a biocompatible phosphorescence-based biosensor that is implanted subcutaneously. Unlike conventional CGMs that rely on electrochemical reactions, this innovative system detects glucose levels through the modulation of phosphorescence signals emitted by the sensor. The emitted signal, which has a significantly longer lifetime compared to tissue .