Brown University Study: Biochip measures glucose in saliva, not blood

Researchers at Brown University have developed technology that can measure glucose in human saliva.

Engineers at Brown University have designed a biological device that can measure glucose concentrations in human saliva. The technique could eliminate the need for diabetics to draw blood to check their glucose levels. The biochip uses plasmonic interferometers and could be used to measure a range of biological and environmental substances.

Read the entire article at this link, it's facinating!

Tripping the light fantastic Each plasmonic interferometer – thousands of them per square millimeter – consists of a slit flanked by two grooves etched in a silver metal film. The schematic shows glucose molecules “dancing” on the sensor surface illuminated by light with different colors. Changes in light intensity transmitted through the slit of each plasmonic interferometer yield information about the concentration of glucose molecules in solution.Credit: Domenico Pacifici 

I was interviewed by Calling All Types

The nice folks at Calling All Types (@CallingAllTypes on Twitter) asked me a few questions... I answered them in a informative and delightful manner. Please click over and take a look if you get a chance. 

http://callingalltypes.blogspot.com/2012/01/one-fathers-story.html

Overnight blood glucose checks

A few days ago I remarked to Arden's school nurse while Arden was checking her BG that, "I can do this in the dark". I had just finished changing a pod that experienced an error during the day and was hanging out for a moment to discuss how much insulin to bolus for the basal that was lost (while I was driving to the school). My comment sparked a brief conversation that ended as all conversations about overnight BG checks seem to, with someone asking if Arden wakes up when her finger is pricked.

Arden doesn't budge during those checks. Up until this morning I though it was because she was so accustomed to the feeling but it turns out that she may just be an amazingly sound sleeper.

I took this picture today as I was getting Arden up for school, as you can see there are no sheets on her bed. The sheets are on the floor, ready to go into the laundry. I took them off of her bed while she was sleeping... she never stirred. When I pulled the bottom sheet from under her, she literally came off of the mattress and turned 180º - bouncing when she landed.

It looks like I have a new answer the question, "does she wake up when you check her BG".

I love communicating

I've been told that this blog is a great many things to the people that read it. If that's true and I hope that it is, I should confess something to all of you... It's really my pleasure to write it because I love to communicate. It's been said that I'll talk to anyone about anything. I have opinions and ideas like most and I feel alive when I'm sharing them with others. Arden's Day is a great many things to me as well and I'm grateful that you stop by and read it.

I'm much better in person then I am in print and by that I mean, I talk better then I write. My use of punctuation is questionable and my typing isn't exactly something Mavis Beacon would be proud of but none of that matters when I'm talking. Speech can be as enveloping as your favorite piece of music and just like music, it will sound different to everyone that hears it. Being transparent about life with diabetes is one of my passions, so I write about it the best that I can but only because I can't get you all in a room to say it person... that would be an opportunity that I would relish!

I've long worked at being the kind of communicator that doesn't just pass information but captivates his audience. My whole life I've enjoyed the feeling that comes with the ability to capture, keep and satisfy a person's interest. When I hear a well written speech delivered with passion and purpose, I feel joy and jealousy. Talk about transparent, I just told you that I equally love and covet when I experience a communicator practice their trade well. In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. day, I'd like to share one of the most well conceived, prepared and delivered speeches that I've ever heard.

When a speaker is perfect the topic is of no consequence, their words will sound like a symphony. However, when the topic is that of civil and human rights and it is delivered this wonderfully, hearing the words can and will lend euphoria to your heart and mind.

We should all strive to just once have the effect on our fellow man that Dr. King did on August 28, 1963.

DexCom CGM: Buy 4 sensors get 1 free offer

DexCom is offering a free sensor with your next order of four. This buy 4 get 1 free promotion seems to be an effort to get customers introduced to their new online store. Looks like you just have to register and then place your order via that online store. The offer ends in March 31, 2012.

If you are an adult (users under 18 see below) DexCom user this is a no-brainer, we've all been waiting for the company to set up an easier way of placing an order. Now you'll be able to order online or set up a auto-reorder. You can visit the DexCom website and choose the link that looks like the image below (they banner rotates), it will take you to this link.

Now if you are the parent of a Dex user things get a little confusing but you can still easily take advantage of the offer and set up an auto-reorder (they call it 'Schedule Ship'). Since minors can't register to make purchases through their online store the form on the website is not going to help you. I had to call customer service, wait for a call back, etc. I asked my CSR if there was an easier way for the parents that read my site to take advantage of this offer, he and I came up with this...

Parents of minors that use DexCom can take advantage of the buy 4 get 1 free offer by simply calling...

Brian at 877-339-2664, extension 5561

Tell Brian that you were sent by Scott from Arden's Day, that you would like to set up a Schedule Ship and receive a free sensor as part of their offer. Brian will email you the 'Schedule Shipment' form, you send it back to him and you'll be finished signing up for their Schedule Ship program... getting your free sensor in the process.

Speaking of free stuff:

Apidra is free until 4/30/12 

I have a 3 year supply of Spring's Universal Infusion Sets to give away