A new blood-glucose sampler with potential
to improve diabetes management receives FDA clearance
Orange County, CA - December 15th 2016 - Debuting in 2014, the Genteel, blood glucose sampling and testing device finally received FDA clearance. There are 29.1million people in the US alone living with diabetes with some pricking their fingers up to 11 times daily. The device promises to remove the fear of testing with painless sampling, likely to enhance overall treatment, especially in children. The Genteel challenges traditional sampling collection by offering 5 different tools in one.
The first major difference of the Genteel is its allowance of testing over various parts of the body, instead of being confined to the fingertips, which can contain over 30 times the pain nerve density of others. Second, before the device lances the skin, it transmits a comforting vibration that blocks pain signals to the brain, continuing until the test is completed. Thirdly, the device is four times faster than traditional spring loaded devices. That’s 18/1000s of a second for the lancet to pierce the skin and 8 seconds total to complete your sampling.
Traditional devices also lack in depth precision. Patients sometimes face the challenge of sticking themselves several times without penetrating the capillary blood supply. The reverse is also possible, in that the extent of the pierce is so deep it lances and inflames the nerves underneath the capillaries. These issues encouraged researchers to develop the 4th tool, with six options for perforation depth compared to the usual four. Working in tandem with the final tool, a vacuum, it soothes the skin to allow for further blood extraction at the skin’s surface.
The Butterfly Touch Technology is covered by over 40 US and international patents ensuring that it can’t be found anywhere else. Priced at $129, it’s slightly more expensive than traditional sampling devices, but many customers are able to receive full or partial reimbursement through their health insurance. More than that, parents of children living with diabetes love the device.
The Genteel demo features Ellie, a young girl living with diabetes that must check her blood glucose levels 11 times or more a day. She completes her own reading singlehandedly while instructing on proper use as she goes. The technology has also received positive reviews, one such stems from a young teenager who was able to re-pursue his passion of the guitar after being able to test on areas other than his fingers.
For more information and testimonials visit their website here.
