Blood glucose levels are an important metric to keep in mind for those affected by diabetes. Many people choose to use blood glucose readers that require you to prick your finger and apply the blood onto a test strip. This strip, containing the blood sample, is then put into a machine and analyzed for the amount of glucose present. This process is rather time consuming and can be painful when having to poke your finger with a needle every time you want to read your blood sugar. As a result, there have been innovations in the biotech industry to create a more streamlined, efficient and less painful.

Libre FreeStyle
This is the Libre FreeStyle blood glucose reader, specifically one manufactured by the company Abbott who is set out to ease the lives of those who have diabetes by making an everyday task easier. Abbott is able to achieve this through continuous glucose monitoring, or CGM. This is done through a sensor based system that relays real time information at any point of day. This effectively diminishes the need to prick your finger and go about the mundane task of checking glucose levels in a traditional sense. Removing this painful and time consuming process can allow diabetics to return to their daily lives without worrying about carrying needles and sensors with them. Instead they can simply attach the CGM sensor to their arm and continue on with their day.
Abbott also manufactures a sport biosensor that is meant to be implemented in the lives of those who perform vigorous physical activities. This CGM sensor is exclusively used for athletes to monitor their glucose levels, as opposed to the Libre FreeStyle which is directed towards those with diabetes. This sensor uses different hardware to make it highly accurate while also capable of being waterproof for added durability. Using the partner app, the sensor is able to help optimize nutrition and when to eat so that users can remain in peak shape during the day.
Abbott’s application of biosensor technology shows the importance of glucose monitoring for diabetics as well as groups outside of those with diabetes. These CGM sensors give real-time updates, replacing a system with a far superior method of analysis and efficiency. This is a huge step forward to what biotechnology companies can do with biosensors and is a great demonstration of what we are currently capable of.
References:
About the Author:
Rahul Gigi is currently a student at Western University and is in the Medical Sciences Program. He enjoys learning about biotechnology and the different applications that we see today, specifically biomarkers and drug delivery technologies.
Comments