Novel Device Measures Glucose in Urine

The device is called the Glucosalarm (Brownsville, TX, USA) and it uses two 70 mL bottles, one contains an enzyme and the other one contains a cleaning solution, which last for 140 measurements and are easily replaceable. The device uses a light sensor that detects the frequency of glucose in urine and measures it in 15 to 40 seconds. Only one drop of urine is needed and this can be done when the patient uses the toilet and there is no need for painful blood testing. Another reason for not having a constant monitoring is the cost. A glucometer costs less than USD 30, but the test strips are expensive, as well as needles and needle holders, which is money that is not available to everyone. Glucosalarm will cost approximately USD 120 to USD 140 and the readings will cost less than a penny per measurement.

Currently, the device is in the third prototype and tests are performed with patients. It also has a patent in Mexico and the United States, and two medical device companies with international presence have shown interest in manufacturing it. Glucosalarm is expected to be released in the USA and Mexico in late 2016 and early 2017, once the necessary authorizations are obtained from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Silver Springs, MD, USA) and the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS; Benito Juárez, Mexico).

Related Links:
Chihuahua Institute of Technology
GlucosAlarm 
US Food and Drug Administration