Continuity: Non-Invasive Glucose Responsive Insulin

Diabetes is an increasing worldwide epidemic, affecting 1 in 10 individuals making up 415 million people worldwide. The current invasive diabetic devices used to monitor and treat diabetics today are unsafe, painful, overwhelming and time consuming, limiting an individual’s freedom and flexibility. The pain alone is the reasoning behind why 60% of diagnosed diabetic patients do not check their blood glucose levels as recommended, rendering them at risk of developing fatal conditions, and costs the Australian Government over $14 billion a year. Continuity aims to reduce cases of fatality and bring back life’s simple pleasures of independence.

Continuity non-invasively monitors glucose levels through an ear device that is in the form of an earring, which uses radio-frequency spectroscopy to collect continuous data on glucose levels non-invasively. The user is alerted through ear vibrations and mobile notifications when glucose levels shift. Furthermore, the insulin delivery device is a non-invasive handheld oral device, accompanied by child lock features, that can effectively deliver insulin safely and in real time, to prevent life-threatening complications from arising and possible death. Both devices communicate data to a mobile application for continuous monitoring by the individual and healthcare professionals, for maximized quality of life.

The devices allows you to store information in an easy to use app, while also sending information to healthcare professionals and/or family members of choice so that the individual's progress is tracked and monitored. Through these features, and the help of others, the individual will be able to monitor and treat their diabetes more efficiently and effectively, which will enable independence, reduce possibility of complications and/or possible death, and maximize quality of life. This will not only save the Australian Government money, but more importantly, save lives.

The ear device is a waterproof continuous glucose monitor in the form of jewellery that is worn 24/7. Within the ear device, one side of the device transmits radio-frequency waves through the earlobe, clearing the skin layers that generates a clear picture of the blood cells for the sensor on the other side of the earlobe. The sensor analyses the glucose level data and sends the information through low-energy Bluetooth to the insulin device and app. The device alerts the individual through ear vibrations and mobile notifications when there is a shift in glucose levels and when action must be taken. The insulin delivery device takes the form of an asthma inhaler that utilizes aerosolized liquid insulin within a cannister. The liquid insulin, combined with absorption enhancers, sprays and absorbs through the buccal mucosa, the inner lining of the cheeks within the mouth. This method is faster than injection methods, proving more efficient and effective. As insulin is extremely dangerous, fingerprint activation will activate the device, utilizing a solenoid to release the insulin dosage within the canister into the mouth region. The dosage is delivered in 2 units at a time where the dose required is communicated through the app.