Device Detects Diabetes Markers in Skin

A non-invasive technology uses fluorescent light to detect abnormal concentrations of diabetes-related biologic markers in skin. The device outperformed fasting plasma glucose (FPG) as a screening test for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

A clinical study presented at the 66th annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, in Washington (DC, USA), showed that the device, call Scout, was able to identify 20% more patients with type 2 diabetes or its precursor than FPG. The study was conducted by researchers in Albuquerque (NM, USA), including the New Mexico School of Medicine, TriCore Reference Labs, Inlight Solutions, and VeraLight, the developer of Scout.

The presence of advanced glycolation endproducts (AGEs) found in skin correlates well with diabetes. A predictor of the disease's serious complications, AGEs are a sensitive indicator for the cumulative damage the body has endured due to the effects of abnormally high blood sugar. They affect the proteins that make up the blood vessels, connective tissue, and skin.

Weighing about 20 pounds, Scout utilizes fluorescence spectroscopic technology that does not require patient fasting. The forearm is inserted into the system and various wavelengths of light are projected onto the skin to stimulate fluorescence. A fiber-optic probe couples the excitation light and relays resulting skin fluorescence to a detection module. A diabetes risk score is given by the system's software.



Related Links:
TriCore
InLight Solutions
VeraLight