Diabetic Digest - July 4, 2018

Readers:

Happy Independence Day! Today is all about the red, white, and blue. However, this issue has a very interesting article about a new way to detect blood sugar levels without having to draw blood - so the future may be "red" free.

The University of Waterloo has combined two rather unique technologies, radar and artificial intelligence, to stop diabetic patients from having to prick their fingers. I'm okay with the radar, but I'm not too sure about the AI aspect of this whole thing. So I guess if I want to be pain-free I'm going to have to embrace the robots. I've got to say...I don't think I'm ready.

All kidding aside, I think this is a great breakthrough. I'm all for any kind of medical care that can go "pain free." I know I could use a break from those dreadful finger pricks.

Also, if you're get read to grill I have a dynamite recipe for a delicious Grilled Pork Tenderloin, with a little Southwestern flair.

Have a great holiday! And remember to hydrate!

Regards,
Steve

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Comments? Questions? Email Steve



*-- Diabetic News --*
AI, radar may help diabetics monitor sugar without drawing blood
Researchers have developed a way for people with diabetes to detect blood sugar levels without drawing blood.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo combined radar and artificial intelligence technologies to detect changes in glucose levels several times a day, but without requiring finger pricks. The system is outlined in a study published this month in the International Journal of Mobile Human-Computer Interaction.

"We want to sense blood inside the body without actually having to sample any fluid," George Shaker, an engineering professor at Waterloo, said in a press release. "Our hope is this can be realized as a smartwatch to monitor glucose continuously."

Finger pricking is the most common, though painful, way to detect the glucose levels. For some, an artificial pancreas can be used to constantly monitor glucose levels and automatically administer insulin to the patient through a pump -- instead of insulin injections, as those who prick their finger have to do.

The researchers worked with Google and German hardware company Infineon, who jointly developed a small radar device called the Soli system.

In the system, the radar device sends high-frequency radio waves into liquids containing various levels of glucose and receive radio waves reflected back to it. Then, the information is converted into digital data for analysis by machine-learning AI algorithms. The AI can detect glucose changes based on more than 500 wave features or characteristics.

Among volunteers at the Research Institute for Aging in Waterloo, the results were 85 percent as accurate as blood analysis.

"The correlation was actually amazing," Shaker said. "We have shown it is possible to use radar to look into the blood to detect changes."

Data are now sent wirelessly to computers, but the researchers want self-contained technology similar to the smartwatches that monitor the heart rate. This means reducing the size of the radar device.

"I'm hoping we'll see a wearable device on the market within the next five years," Shaker said. "There are challenges, but the research has been going at a really good rate."



*-- Diabetic Recipe --*
GRILLED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH A SOUTHWEST TWIST
INGREDIENTS:
2 whole pork tenderloins - 1 1/2 pounds total
6 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS: In small bowl, mix all seasonings well. Rub mixture over all surfaces of tenderloin. Cover and refrigerate 2-24 hours. Grill over medium-hot coals, turning occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until thermometer inserted reads 155-160 degrees F. Pork is done when there is still a hint of pink in the center. Slice to serve.

Yield: 6 Servings Category: Pork, Grill, Meats

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