A reliable, cost-effective solution for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) could revolutionise diabetes care, according to academics.

Researchers from the US have revealed that the innovative CGM system is more reliable because it integrates an insertable glucose biosensor with a phosphorescence lifetime imager (PLI) and advanced machine learning algorithms.

Glucose monitoring can stop people living with diabetes from experiencing serious health problems.

This new CGM system identifies glucose levels through the modulation of phosphorescence signals emitted by the sensor rather than relying on electrochemical reactions.

The compact PLI captures the emitted signal through the skin, enabling a non-invasive readout of glucose levels.

A common issue with wearable devices is they struggle to accurately monitor glucose levels in the presence of sensor misalignment.

However, this new CGM system has the ability to do this.

The innovative device can detect misalignments by processing phosphorescence lifetime images, ensuring that the glucose readings remain accurate and reliable, even during physical activity or movement.

The findings have revealed that the PLI achieved an accuracy of 88.8% in classifying glucose concentrations and 100% accuracy in identifying misalignments.

According to the researchers, the extended lifespan of the device reduces the need for frequent sensor replacements, which is cost effective.

Read the study in the journal ACS Nano.

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