Researchers are working on new ways to test glucose (blood sugar) without having to draw blood. One device recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is worn around the arm like a band. It provides continuous glucose monitoring by sampling perspiration from the skin with an electric current and measuring the glucose in the fluid. The results are displayed continuously, allowing the patient to closely monitor the glucose level up to 13 hours. An alarm will sound if blood glucose falls out of range.

This device has memory for this device can store up to 8,500 readings and requires a prescription. It is designed to enhance, not replace, conventional blood glucose monitoring. Patients would still have to self-test glucose levels.

The FDA has also approved continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, most of which are inserted into abdominal skin, that check glucose levels every five minutes for up to three or seven days. These too are meant to supplement, not replace, fingerstick tests.

The FDA approved a combination insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor in 2006. It also has an alarm to warn of dangerous glucose levels. An ultimate goal for scientists is to develop a surgically implanted artificial pancreas that automatically adjusts doses of insulin according to the body’s needs, with no input from the patient.

Noninvasive blood glucose monitoring methods under development include:

• Shining light onto the skin or through body tissue. A laser lancing device has already been developed for use instead of a standard lancet.
  
  
• Measuring the infrared radiation given off by the body.
  
  
• Applying radio waves to the fingers.
  
  
• Using ultrasound.
  
  
• Checking the viscosity (thickness) of fluids in tissue underneath the skin.