Glucose Sensor to measure blood sugar in the body, (Photo: Abbott)
Technological developments make it easy for us to measure health in the body. Recently, a technology for measuring sugar levels in the body has become a solution for health.
Glucose sensors are one that is expected to become a trend for measuring blood sugar. The tool, called Lingo, was introduced for people who do not suffer from diabetes, but want to see how food and other activities affect their sugar levels, as quoted by SCMP, Saturday (2/11/2024).
How to use
Abbott’s Lingo biosensor is typically worn on the back of the upper arm to monitor glucose in the body’s interstitial fluid, which is the fluid between cells, under the skin. Interstitial fluid absorbs glucose after it enters a person’s bloodstream.
Lingo has a filament located just under the skin to measure glucose. Users can view their glucose levels in a phone app, and use it to log food and exercise, as well as receive personal recommendations.
Lingo can be on the arm for 14 days before it needs to be replaced. One Lingo sensor to last for two weeks is priced at USD 49 (approximately Rp. 776 thousand at an exchange rate of Rp. 15,849), with two sensors costing USD 89 (approximately Rp. 1.4 million), and six sensors costing USD 249 (Rp. 3.9 million).
Even though it is sophisticated, this tool is still a topic of debate among medical professionals. Dr. Falguni Vasa, chief of endocrinology at Duly Health and Care in Illinois, believes that this device can help people take better care of their body health.
“By identifying spikes, it gives them the opportunity to be more proactive with food choices and other lifestyle habits,” says Dr. Falguni.
On the other hand, Dr. Natalie Cameron of Northwestern Medicine expressed concern that the device might make some users overly anxious about their health. “For a limited time, this may help increase awareness, but excessive measurements can make already healthy people anxious,” says Dr. Natalie.
A user named Larry Colen, a 64 year old man from Riverside, California, found this device very helpful. After being diagnosed with prediabetes, he used a glucose sensor to monitor blood sugar levels directly, which helped him maintain a healthy diet.
“I really feel that if everyone, at risk of diabetes or not, took it for a few weeks a year starting at age 40, and took it earlier for those at risk of diabetes, thousands, or millions, of people would have a chance to make lifestyle changes. and preventing diabetes would be better, rather than treating it after it occurs,” said Larry.
(kem)
Glucose Sensors: The New Trend in Health Monitoring?
Well, folks, buckle up! If you thought your days of finger-pricking were over, the world of health monitoring just hit a new high—without the sugar crash! Introducing Lingo, the glucose sensor that promises to cater to the hypochondriac in all of us. Yes, why not monitor sugar levels like we check our Instagram likes? Better to know when that donut is about to sabotage your diet!
What’s This Tech All About?
Ah, technology—advancing faster than my ability to say, “Just one more slice of cake.” Abbott has unveiled a rather sparkling innovation—a wearable glucose sensor that lets even the non-diabetics among us track our sugar levels. Talk about an all-you-can-eat buffet confidently! Forget about waiting until 3 PM to realize we’ve been consuming more sugar than a toddler at a birthday party; now you can know it instantly via an app!
How Does It Work?
Curious to know how someone can wear a technology that tells you what’s swimming around in your bloodstream? Well, Lingo is daintily perched on the back of your upper arm, measuring glucose in that lovely interstitial fluid. You know, the stuff that’s basically blood’s less popular cousin who lives in the margins—between the cells.
With a tiny filament snuggled under your skin, the sensor measures glucose like a magician pulling rabbits out of hats, except this time, it’s more like pulling snacks out of your pantry. You get real-time updates on your glucose levels through a phone app—like Snapchat for your blood sugar levels! Talk about a modern romance!
Pricing That’ll Make You Go “Ouch!”
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—prices! One Lingo sensor costs a cool $49 and lasts for a fortnight before it needs to retire. It’s like having a pet, but instead of feeding it, you’re monitoring how big of a sugar fiend you are. If you’re feeling generous (or optimistic about your diet), you can nab a set of six sensors for $249. Just a reminder, that’s basically the cost of a nightly out—sans the cocktails, of course.
The Experts Chime In
While we’re all for getting the skinny on our sugar levels, pros in the medical field are having quite the tête-à-tête about it. Dr. Falguni Vasa seems to be on the pro-sensor bandwagon, suggesting this device could turn us into health-conscious warriors. Imagine a world where we dodge sugary traps with the agility of a ninja!
But hold on—Dr. Natalie Cameron is waving her red flag. She feels this could make some people as anxious as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. “Awareness is good until it becomes an obsession,” she warns. And let’s face it, no one wants to be the person at dinner nervously checking their blood sugar chart as if it’s the latest market crash report!
A Real-Life Testimony
Meet Larry Colen—64 years young, and already a fan of the Lingo lifestyle! After getting a prediabetes sticker slapped on him, Larry decided to live life on the edge of wellness and monitor his levels. He believes that if everyone started tracking their glucose post-40, we’d be dodging diabetes like it’s the office Christmas party we weren’t invited to!
If I may borrow a phrase: he’s not wrong! Preventative measures sound snazzy—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right? With this technology on hand, maybe we can finally make those conscious lifestyle choices instead of sugar-coated (pun intended) excuses!
Final Thoughts
In a world where ignorance isn’t bliss, embracing innovations like Lingo could help us cultivate healthier habits, assuming we don’t become obsessed with our glucose like we’re tracking the latest celebrity drama. So, dear readers, what do you think? Will you be signing up for real-time blood sugar updates, or do you prefer to live dangerously with a sugar-laden cupcake now and then? Because let’s be honest, while health monitoring has its perks, life is still too short for a bland muffin.
(kem)
**Interview: Exploring the Impact of Abbott’s Lingo Glucose Sensor**
*Interviewer: Good morning, Dr. Falguni Vasa! Thank you for joining us today to discuss Abbott’s recent introduction of the Lingo glucose sensor. This device is being marketed to individuals who may not have diabetes but are interested in monitoring their glucose levels. What are your initial thoughts on this trend?*
**Dr. Vasa:** Good morning! It’s great to be here. I believe the introduction of the Lingo glucose sensor is quite significant. This technology allows even non-diabetics to gain insights into how their food choices and activities impact their glucose levels. By identifying spikes, it empowers users to make more informed proactive decisions regarding their diet and lifestyle.
*Interviewer: That sounds promising! But I understand there are varying opinions within the medical community about its potential effects. Can you elaborate on some concerns that have been raised?*
**Dr. Vasa:** Certainly. While I see the value in increased awareness and proactivity around glucose management, some colleagues, like Dr. Natalie Cameron, express concern that constant monitoring could lead to unnecessary anxiety. For healthy individuals, being overly focused on minute changes in blood sugar might cause stress rather than promote a healthy lifestyle.
*Interviewer: That’s a valid point. It’s essential to strike a balance between awareness and anxiety. We’ve also heard from users like Larry Colen, who found the device beneficial after being diagnosed with prediabetes. How do you think that resonates with the broader population?*
**Dr. Vasa:** Larry’s experience highlights a crucial aspect of preventive healthcare. For individuals at risk of diabetes, such devices can serve as a wake-up call, encouraging them to adopt healthier habits before the onset of disease. I truly believe that early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing diabetes in the long run.
*Interviewer: The Lingo sensor has a relatively modest price point at $49 for a two-week use. Do you think this affordability will help it gain traction among consumers?*
**Dr. Vasa:** Yes, I believe that price point makes it accessible for many people, especially those looking to take charge of their health. The convenience of tracking glucose levels through a smartphone app also aligns well with current technological trends, making it a more appealing option for many consumers.
*Interviewer: As we wrap up, what would you advise someone considering investing in a glucose sensor like Lingo?*
**Dr. Vasa:** I would encourage them to consider their personal health goals and circumstances. If you’re at risk for diabetes or just simply want to understand your body’s responses better, it could be beneficial. However, it’s crucial to approach it with a mindset of balance—use it as a tool for empowerment, not a source of stress. Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting is always a good practice.
*Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Vasa, for sharing your insights today! It sounds like the Lingo sensor has the potential to influence personal health monitoring significantly while also highlighting the need for responsible usage.*
**Dr. Vasa:** Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss advancements in healthcare technology.
