the "Ulm Zucker Uhr System" and its consequences.

The "Ulm Zucker Uhr System" comprises a microdialysis probe, a biosensor (Glucosensor Unitec Ulm s.c.), a sender transferring telemetrically the glucose concentrations, and a receiving indicator. The "Zucker Uhr" or "Sugar Watch" looks and operates like a normal wrist watch. We now present the functioning pre-prototype of the first portable system, which 1) is continuously measuring in s.c. tissue the Tissue Glucose (T.G.) concentration in the intercellular fluid on-line enzymatically by combining an enzymatic and an electrochemical (amperometric) technique. 2) is transferring in the patient via the "Zucker Uhr" once per minute the actual tissue glucose concentration, i.e. 1,440 values/24 hours or even 2880 values/48 hours, 3) is actually alarming the patient by optical and acoustic means, when the tissue glucose is too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), 4) is storing digitally all values and, therefore, permitting the dialogue between doctor and patient as to his diabetes control in view of his 24 h glucose profile, which is visual on a computer screen. The advantage for the patient is on the one hand the elimination of the multiple pricking in the finger tips for providing capillary blood, and on the other hand, permitting the preview of the limitation and perhaps the complete elimination of the microangiopathy of the retina, kidneys and nervous system. The trend of the T.G. decreases is readily recognizable, which indicates immediately the dangerous hypoglycemia. Likewise, over 48 hours, the hyperglycemic periods are transmitted and recorded which are not measured and reflected by the HbA1 and HbA1c conventional measurements.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)