Spot glucose measurement in epidermal interstitial fluid--an alternative to capillary blood glucose estimation?

Capillary blood glucose estimation is an essential but inconvenient prerequisite in the current management of diabetes mellitus. Spot glucose measurement in epidermal interstitial fluid appears to be a promising alternative to capillary blood glucose estimation, and due to its near non-invasive properties it might be a tool for improving the lives of people with diabetes in the near future. The present status of epidermal interstitial fluid glucose determination, the first clinical results, and some open questions regarding this new technology are reviewed here.