Hypo- and Hyperglycemic Alarms: Devices and Algorithms

J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2015 Apr 30;9(5):1126-37. doi: 10.1177/1932296815583507.

Abstract

Soon after the discovery that insulin regulates blood glucose by Banting and Best in 1922, the symptoms and risks associated with hypoglycemia became widely recognized. This article reviews devices to warn individuals of impending hypo- and hyperglycemia; biosignals used by these devices include electroencephalography, electrocardiography, skin galvanic resistance, diabetes alert dogs, and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). While systems based on other technology are increasing in performance and decreasing in size, CGM technology remains the best method for both reactive and predictive alarming of hypo- or hyperglycemia.

Keywords: alarm systems; continuous glucose monitoring; hypoglycemia; low glucose suspend.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Blood Glucose / analysis*
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / instrumentation*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / blood*
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / blood
  • Hyperglycemia / diagnosis*
  • Hypoglycemia / blood
  • Hypoglycemia / diagnosis*
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory / methods*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose