In great news for diabetics, who currently have to take a sample of their blood to measure their glucose levels; a new non-invasive test that is safer and more convenient is being developed by consumer electronics company Philips. The non-invasive blood glucose meter simply monitors the concentration of carbon monoxide in exhaled breath.
The technology comes from the discovery that the amount of carbon monoxide we breathe out is linked to the amount of glucose in our blood. Excess glucose stimulates the production of an enzyme called heme oxygenase, which catalyses reactions that release CO2 and other by-products.
Philips, who is patenting the technology, claims that it is significantly more accurate than past attempts based on sugar's spectroscopic signature. No information is available yet on FDA approval or commercial release.
No More Needles
Philips Develops Breath Test for Diabetics
Trend Themes
1. Non-invasive Glucose Monitoring - The development of non-invasive glucose monitoring technology presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the healthcare industry.
2. Breath Tests for Medical Diagnosis - The use of breath tests in medical diagnosis presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the medical testing industry.
3. Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Technology - The use of carbon monoxide monitoring technology in healthcare presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the medical device industry.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The non-invasive glucose monitoring technology can revolutionize glucose monitoring and change the way diabetes is managed in the healthcare industry.
2. Medical Testing - The development of breath tests for medical diagnosis offers an opportunity for disruption to the traditional blood testing industry.
3. Medical Device - Carbon monoxide monitoring technology can disrupt the traditional needle-based glucose monitoring and open up new markets for medical device manufacturers.