Comparison of glucose concentration in interstitial fluid, and capillary and venous blood during rapid changes in blood glucose levels.

The relationship between glucose concentrations in interstitial fluid (ISF) and blood has generated great interest due to its importance in minimally invasive and noninvasive techniques for measuring blood glucose. The relationship between glucose levels in dermal ISF, and capillary and venous blood was studied with the dermal ISF samples obtained using the suction blister technique. The study was conducted with intensely managed diabetics whose blood glucose levels were manipulated so as to induce rapid changes in blood glucose levels. Glucose levels in the three compartments exhibited high correlations both when individual subjects were considered separately and when data from all subjects were combined. No significant time lag during glucose excursions was observed among the ISF, and capillary and venous glucose levels.