Low-Tech Stabilizing Device for Diabetics with Limited Dexterity

Student Team: Team DiaBeez

Omar Ahmed; Hannah White; Savannah Avery;  Marissa Reinker; Lauren Feely;

Sponsor:

Darin Olson, MD PhD; Emory University School of Medicine

 

 

Project Description:  

A device to improve the glucose monitoring process for diabetics with limited dexterity.

There are over 30 million people living in the U.S. with diabetes (Type I, Type II, and Gestational). Over 64% of these diabetics are living with one or more comorbidities, making an already burdensome disease even more challenging. Before making any medical decisions, the most important aspect of managing diabetes is keeping track of blood glucose levels. If medical decisions, such as giving insulin to immediately lower blood glucose or dosing oral pills to slowly stabilize blood glucose and decrease insulin resistance, are made without the knowledge of blood glucose levels, there is a great risk of hypoglycemia or continued hyperglycemia which are life threatening both short and long term. Currently, 85% of diabetics use a lancing device and glucometer as their primary method of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG). Users find this tool painful and frustrating to use, albeit necessary. While there is a high-tech expensive alternative, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), many diabetics cannot afford it. Diabetics who suffer from conditions causing limited dexterity need a more user-friendly and affordable method to SMBG levels. To address this issue, we have developed The Helping Hand, a novel, inexpensive, and user-oriented device that helps diabetics with limited dexterity easily and independently check their blood sugar. By utilizing a self-directing magnetized alignment system, the device dramatically reduces the need for precision by semi-automatically guiding and orienting a patient’s finger towards the proper location. The complete system includes a fingertip-less compression glove with a magnetized left index finger, one magnetized attachment for the patient’s lancing device, and another for their glucometer. The Helping Hand will finally provide diabetics with limited dexterity a reliable and user-friendly way to check their blood sugar.

 

Expo Video Showcase: 

 

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