It seems the researchers at the University of Santa Cruz have developed an optical glucose sensor to detect your blood sugar. This is very interesting and could (depending on its accuracy) provide a nice alternative to traditional blood sugar level detection.

“Recently published studies showed that the sensor detects glucose under physiological conditions, giving a reversible fluorescent signal that changes intensity in response to changes in the concentration of glucose.”

“The optical glucose sensor consists of a fluorescent chemical complex immobilized in a ‘thin-film hydrogel.’ The hydrogel, a biocompatible polymer similar to that used to make soft contact lenses, is permeable to glucose.

The sensing system has two components: a fluorescent dye and a ‘quencher’ that is responsive to glucose. In the absence of glucose, the quencher binds to the dye and prevents fluorescence, while the interaction of glucose with the quencher leads to dissociation of the complex and an increase in fluorescence.”

From what I understand this is not “new” so-to-speak though they’ve made progression in the research over the past few years. Thought I didn’t see a release date or list prices, I can only assume this might be a costly alternative. They have to also get it approved and through the FDA. In any case, if you’re used to contact lenses and can’t stand the sight of blood or poking your fingers, this might be a solution for you.

You can find the complete article at Medical News Today: Optical glucose sensor holds promise for diabetics and intensive care patients

I wasn’t fully aware until recently, but today is World Diabetes Day (November 14th).

From the website:

“World Diabetes Day, organized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) is the primary global awareness campaign of the diabetes world. It was first introduced in 1991 in response to concern over the escalating incidence of diabetes around the world. Since then, it has grown in popularity and now unites more than 350 million people worldwide including opinion leaders, health-care professionals, carers, people with diabetes, and the general public.”

Why November 14th? Well it was chosen based on the birthday of Frederick Banting who along with Charles Best first conceived the ideas which lead to the discovery of insulin.

There appears to be a nice list of places to celebrate:

• Radio and television programmes
• Sports events
• Free screenings for diabetes and its complications
• Public information meetings
• Poster and leaflet campaigns
• Diabetes workshops and exhibitions
• Press conferences
• Newspaper and magazine articles
• Events for children and adolescents

To find out whats happening in your country, contact your local/national association.