A new study from the researchers of the University of East Anglia (UEA) has found that using wearable glucose monitors could help older people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels.
The devices could help them manage diabetes by reducing the need for pricking the finger for blood tests.
The study, which was published in BMJ Open., found that the devices are particularly beneficial for the elderly with diabetes and dementia.
Lead study author Dr. Katharina Mattishent from UEA’s Norwich Medical School said, “Older people with memory problems can find it more difficult to keep an eye on their blood sugars. Older methods of checking blood sugars rely on people doing finger-prick tests.”
“The newest technology works by allowing a sensor inserted under the skin on the arm to pick up sugar readings all the time for up to two weeks without having to do finger-prick tests,” she added. “The sensor reads sugar levels and transmits them wirelessly to a display on a portable reader held near the sensor – a bit like swiping a contactless bank card.”
Dr. Mattishent continued, “The device has famously been used by former Prime Minister Theresa May among others.”
“It is estimated that up to 20 percent of older people with dementia also have coexisting diabetes. It’s a big problem because they may be more prone to low blood sugars (hypoglycemia) from their medication, but not recognizing the warning signs—or what to do if it happens,” she added.
“This is the first project to see if new wearable glucose monitoring technology could be useful for older people with diabetes and memory problems,” said the author.
The research investigated the Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system within 12 participants who had been diagnosed with dementia. The wearable glucose monitors captured data for 14 days and the researcher interviewed them and their caregivers to see how they were using the devices.
Dr. Yoon Loke also from UEA’s Norwich Medical School said, “Our study found that older people and their carers overwhelmingly found the device to be acceptable to use and reassuring to be able to check sugar levels more easily.”
“It didn’t interfere with their day-to-day activities and they were not aware of the device while sleeping at night,” added. Dr. Loke. “Carers spoke favorably about the simplicity of the device. And all of the participants were positive about recommending it to others.”
“One of the carers said that it is very stressful to have to regularly stab her husband’s fingers to get blood samples. He had dementia and diabetes, and couldn’t understand why anyone needed to hurt him with a needle,” he added. “So you can see how something as simple as using this device could really benefit this vulnerable group and their carers,” added Dr. Loke.
