Diabetes Monitor Measures Both Glucose and Ketones

A new monitor for the management of diabetes can measure both blood glucose and blood ketones.

The monitor is the first glucose monitor that also allows diabetic patients to test their blood for ketone levels. Elevated ketone levels can signify a risk for developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition caused by acute insulin deficiency. DKA must be recognized and treated as quickly as possible in order to prevent serious illness or even death. The American Diabetes Association affirms that blood ketone testing is preferred over urine ketone testing as a more reliable method of diagnosing ketoacidosis.

Called Precision Xtra, the system was developed by Abbott Diabetes Care (Abbott Park, IL, USA; www.abbottdiabetescare.com). It requires a small blood sample and delivers results in only 10 seconds. The system utilizes True Measure technology, designed to prevent errors caused by applying an insufficient blood sample, and minimizes the effects of interfering substances such as aspirin, vitamin C, and acetaminophen. A fill-trigger mechanism helps prevent tests from starting until an adequate blood sample is present.

"The Precision Xtra Advanced Diabetes Management System with the unique blood ketone testing capability provides people with diabetes an effective and convenient method for ketone testing and an opportunity to better manage their condition,” said Arturo Rolla, M.D., assistant clinical professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA, USA).




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