Rates of Glucose Change Measured by Blood Glucose Meter and the GlucoWatch Biographer During Day, Night, and Around Mealtimes

Many types of glucose meters are available on the market, including conventional meters used to analyze finger-prick blood samples, and newer, less invasive meters that allow for more frequent and comprehensive glucose monitoring. The purpose of this study was to measure rates of glucose change in a diabetic population using 2 methods, a conventional glucose meter and the GlucoWatch Biographer. The GlucoWatch Biographer is a glucose monitoring device that is worn like a watch and takes up to 3 glucose readings an hour noninvasively through the skin for up to 12 hours.

Data from 2 clinical studies were used: a home-use study (n=123) and a simulated home-use study (n=134). Subjects with insulin-treated type 1 or type 2 diabetes participated in the studies. In the simulated home-use study, glucose measurements were taken over 2 daytime periods using GlucoWatch (3 times per hour) and a glucose meter (2 times per hour). Readings were also taken during 1 nighttime period using GlucoWatch only. In the home-use study, glucose measurements were taken during 5 daytime periods using GlucoWatch (3 times per hour) and a glucose meter (once an hour). No restrictions were placed on participants in either study in terms of diet or activities.

Results of the study showed that rapid changes in glucose levels occurred fairly frequently and could occur at any time, even prior to meals. Using glucose meter readings, mean rate of change in blood glucose (± standard deviation) before and after lunch was -0.36±0.95 and 0.36±0.99 mg/dL/min, and, using GlucoWatch, -0.31±1.23 and 0.43±1.26 mg/dL/min. Changes in glucose levels >2 mg/dL/min were observed both before and after meals approximately 10% of the time. Changes in glucose levels were more gradual during the night, during which changes >2 mg/dL/min were observed <4% of the time. In general, similar patterns of change in glucose levels were observed for patients with type 1 diabetes and patients with type 2 diabetes.

In summary, GlucoWatch Biographer was found to be as effective in monitoring blood glucose levels as conventional glucose meters. Although a more detailed profile of changes in blood glucose levels can be obtained using GlucoWatch, further information about how these additional data should be used is needed.