Final views sought for diabetes survey as deadline extends
A survey designed to highlight the challenges faced by the diabetes community has been extended, allowing more time for people with the condition to share their experiences.
Afon Technology, a pioneering Welsh company developing the world’s first non-invasive blood glucose monitor, launched the Living with Diabetes Survey 2024 to gain deeper insights into the realities of living with the disease.
Additionally, the study will gather data on the use of technology for self-management, including tools such as continuous glucose monitors and hybrid closed-loop systems.
Responses from completed questionnaires will be analysed to amplify the voices of those living with diabetes.
Sabih Chaudhry, CEO of Afon Technology, said: “Understanding the real challenges faced by the diabetes community is crucial to driving meaningful change.
“By extending the survey, we are giving more people the opportunity to share their experiences, ensuring that their voices are heard and that their insights help shape the future of diabetes care, technology, and innovation.”
He added: “The more we learn from those living with the condition, the better equipped we are to develop solutions that truly meet their needs.”
Researchers at the Monmouthshire-based tech firm are pioneering the world’s first non-invasive wearable blood glucose sensor, a breakthrough that could transform diabetes care by completely removing the need for needles in glucose monitoring.
Designed to be worn on the inside of the wrist, the sensor wirelessly transmits real-time blood sugar data via Bluetooth to a companion app. The app provides users with continuous glucose insights, personalised health trends, and instant alerts for high or low levels, offering a seamless and pain-free way to manage diabetes.
Sabih noted: “At Afon Technology, we are driven by the incredible potential of continuous glucose monitoring to improve lives.
“Our vision is to redefine diabetes management by putting an end to the use of needles in monitoring blood sugar levels.”
Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring is the ‘holy grail’ in the world of diabetes and so far, no one has been able to crack it.
Currently, there are 537 million adults globally living with diabetes. Evidence has shown that the NHS spends £10 billion per year on diabetes, with NHS Wales spending £500 million each year on the condition.
Unlike the current continuous glucose monitoring devices, Afon Technology’s sensor will measure blood glucose levels in real-time without the need to penetrate the skin at all, making it easier to manage the condition, reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations.
Companies such as Apple, Samsung and Google are rumoured to have been trying to develop non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, but so far none have been successful. Afon Technology hopes to win the race to this important milestone.
Preliminary clinical research gives people with diabetes hope that such a device could become a reality in the near future.