Contact lenses measure the level of glucose in tears



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A smart contact lens is able to measure glucose level by means of a tear badysis. The first tests performed on rabbits were published in the scientific journal Science Advances.

The technological device contains a tiny glucose sensor and a wireless chip providing constant monitoring. The idea is to replace the boring bites of the fingers. Those suffering from diabetes must pierce their finger two to ten times a day. What happens is that many people end up not following the frequency.

The invention is possible only because there is a correlation between the concentration of glucose in the tears and in the blood. This suggests that measuring glucose through tearing is an alternative to the conventional method.

It is still unclear when clinical trials will begin in humans because – according to the companies at the front of the device – it is a technically complex process.

The importance of the fight against diabetes

Diabetes has grown in the world. According to WHO (World Health Organization), in 1980, 108 million people had the disease. That number rose to 422 million in 2014.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). A simple blood test can reveal the existence or not of diabetes.

It is important to note that there are two types of disease: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, the rarest type, is present in about 5 to 10% of people with Alzheimer's disease. of diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease, that is, the body mistakenly attacks pancreatic cells, causing the destruction of cells producing insulin.

Thus, the lack of insulin production in the blood causes an accumulation. of glucose in the circulation, which can damage various organs, such as kidney failure, retinopathy or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Since Type 2 is the most common type, it is due to genetic factors, as well as to poor lifestyle habits, such as excessive consumption of sugar and fat, as well as sedentary lifestyle. All of this also causes defects in the production of insulin. Although this type is more common among people over 40, the number of type 2 diagnoses increased among younger people.

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