A new blood glucose-monitoring device has proven to be helpful in managing children’s diabetes. Read about the findings ofthe NIH-funded study.
New Monitor Proves Helpful for Children with Diabetes
A monitor that constantly measures blood sugar and alerts the individual when his/her blood sugar will rise of fall below acceptable levels has proven to not only be beneficial for children with diabetes, it also tends to help the children become more involved in their disease management.
The study's findings were reported during the 66th meeting of the Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in Washington DC. It was funded by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bruce Buckingham of Stanford University presented the results of the study that monitored 30 youth - ranging in age from four to 17 years. He reported that the seven-week study showed that the monitor helped the children reach their individual target blood sugar levels and - as an added benefit - the children all became more involved in their own diabetes management.
A sensor is inserted a few millimeters into the skin and is replaced every five days. It continuously monitors blood sugar levels and sets off an alarm 20 minutes prior to the patient's level falling or rising out of the acceptable level. The patients were taught what to eat or drink when the monitor alerted them and, as a result, became more interested in managing their disease.
The study was conducted using the Freestyle Navigator Continuous Glucose Monitoring System that is manufactured by Abbott Diabetes Care. The monitoring system is an investigational devise that is currently under FDA review for both pediatric and adult patients. Abbott describes the system as consisting of "a five-day sensor, a transmitter, and a wireless receiver with a built-in FreeStyle® blood glucose monitoring system. The system is designed to provide glucose readings once per minute, high/low glucose alarms and projected glucose alarms."
Abbot Diabetes Care President, Ed Florentino, said the device has proven to be highly accurate in all clinical studies to date. He explained, "Based on the promising results obtained form the NIH DirecNet Study, and via other clinical studies we hope to initiate, Abbott intends to file a supplemental PMA (Pre Market Approval) with the FDA for a pediatric indication in the post-approval period." The researchers concluded the device is safe for home use, accurate, and beneficial for the children researched.
