Date of Award

6-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2022.

Department

Bioengineering

First Advisor

Unyoung (Ashley) Kim

Abstract

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides an instantaneous real-time display of glucose level, rate of change of glucose, alerts, and alarms for actual or impending hypo- and hyperglycemia. Continuous glucose monitors are able to stay implanted on the patient anywhere from 7-14 days, giving patients and doctors valuable information to help improve patient care for diabetics, and providing them with a way to continuously monitor their blood glucose level concentration throughout the day.

Conventional methods of glucose detection such as blood glucose meters require the patient to gather frequent blood samples to generate instantaneous results that are only accurate as of the time of day the reading was taken. These methods fail to take account of daily fluctuations in glucose levels that can arise from changes in diet and physical activity.

In an effort to optimize cost, reliability, and accessibility, this paper proposes a minimally invasive continuous glucose monitoring system that is able to detect glucose levels in interstitial fluid through the use of solid 3D printed microneedles. This CGM device would provide an easily affordable, accessible, and pain-free option for diabetic patients. Providing patients with a way to continuously monitor their glucose levels allows for more personal involvement with their health decisions and ultimately serves as a guide toward more effective diabetes management.

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