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What is the GlucoWatch?

The GlucoWatch Biographer, a device worn like a wristwatch, monitors blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. Unlike traditional blood glucose monitors, which require pricking your finger for each reading, the GlucoWatch monitor automatically measures glucose levels through the skin for up to 12 hours after an initial fingerstick. This should not be considered a replacement, but an addition to conventional blood glucose monitoring.

The device uses a technology known as reverse iontophoresis. It gathers glucose samples from fluids in the body by applying extremely low electric currents to intact skin. The device then measures the amount of glucose in these tiny samples.

In clinical studies, this monitor appeared to be as accurate as traditional fingerstick blood glucose testing.

The GlucoWatch monitor can irritate the skin--you can wear it on different spots on your arm from day to day to reduce irritation. In addition, the device has not been studied in people under 7 years old. Before using the monitor, you must calibrate it using a blood sample from a finger prick. Following a three-hour warm-up period, the GlucoWatch measures glucose levels up to three times per hour for 12 hours. After 12 hours, you’ll need to repeat the calibration and warm-up procedure. The three-hour warm-up period will probably be reduced as improvements are made, according the manufacturer, Cygnus Inc.

Features of the GlucoWatch monitor include:

Alerts for high or low glucose levels,

Ability to record events such as meals or insulin doses,

Time and date display,

Fourteen programmable languages.

The monitor is expected to cost around $300 and last for two to three years. It requires disposable cartridges that must be replaced after each 12-hour use. Cartridges are expected to cost around $4 each.

Sources:
Tamada JA. “Noninvasive glucose monitoring: comprehensive clinical results,” JAMA 19 (1999).
Garg SK. “Correlation of fingerstick blood glucose measurements with GlucoWatch biographer glucose results in young subjects with type 1 diabetes,” Diabetes Care 10 (1999).
GlucoWatch product information. Animas Technologies, LLC. Accessed 12/2006.

This answer prepared 1/3/2001.
This information updated 2/6/2007.

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