U.S. patent application number 10/982148 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for methods and devices for prediction of hypoglycemic events.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cygnus, Inc.. Invention is credited to Potts, Russell O., Tierney, Michael J..
Application Number | 20050119540 10/982148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22848881 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050119540 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Potts, Russell O. ; et
al. |
June 2, 2005 |
Methods and devices for prediction of hypoglycemic events
Abstract
Described herein are methods, devices, and microprocessors
useful for predicting a hypoglycemic event in a subject. The
hypoglycemic predictive approach described herein utilizes
information obtained from a data stream, e.g., frequently obtained
glucose values (current and/or predicted), body temperature, and/or
skin conductance, to predict incipient hypoglycemic events and to
alert the user.
Inventors: |
Potts, Russell O.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Tierney, Michael J.; (San Jose,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Barbara G. McClung, Esq.
CYGNUS, INC.
Legal Department
400 Penobscot Drive
Redwood City
CA
94063
US
|
Assignee: |
Cygnus, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22848881 |
Appl. No.: |
10/982148 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10982148 |
Nov 5, 2004 |
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09927773 |
Aug 10, 2001 |
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6882940 |
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60226431 |
Aug 18, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/315 ;
702/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/14532 20130101;
A61B 5/7267 20130101; G01N 27/3271 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/315 ;
702/019 |
International
Class: |
G06F 019/00; G01N
033/48; G01N 033/50 |
Claims
1. A method for predicting a hypoglycemic event in a subject, said
method comprising, determining (i) a threshold glucose value that
corresponds to said hypoglycemic event, and (ii) a threshold skin
conductance and/or temperature value that is correlated with said
hypoglycemic event, obtaining a series of glucose measurement
values at selected time intervals using a method comprising
obtaining a raw signal specifically related to a glucose amount or
concentration in the subject for a given time interval, correlating
the raw signal with a glucose measurement value indicative of the
amount or concentration of glucose present in the subject in said
given time interval, repeating said obtaining and correlating to
provide a series of glucose measurement values at selected time
intervals, predicting a glucose measurement value at a further time
interval subsequent to said series of glucose measurement values,
and comparing said predicted glucose measurement value to said
threshold glucose value, when the predicted glucose measurement
value is less than or equal to the threshold glucose value a
hypoglycemic is predicted; measuring skin conductance and/or
temperature of the subject concurrently simultaneously, or
sequentially with said obtaining of the series of glucose
measurement values to obtain a skin conductance and/or temperature
value or trend of skin conductance and/or temperature values, and
comparing said skin conductance and/or temperature value or trend
of skin conductance and/or temperature values with said threshold
skin conductance and/or temperature value to determine whether said
skin conductance and/or temperature value or trend of skin
conductance and/or temperature values indicates a hypoglycemic
event; predicting a hypoglycemic event in said subject when both
(i) comparing the predicted glucose measurement value to said
threshold glucose value indicates a hypoglycemic event at said
further time interval and (ii) comparing said skin conductance
and/or temperature value or trend of skin conductance and/or
temperature values with said threshold skin conductance and/or
temperature value indicates a hypoglycemic event and providing an
alert to the subject when a hypoglycemic event is predicted.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected time intervals are
evenly spaced.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the series of lucose measurement
values comprises three or more discrete glucose measurement
values.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the further time interval occurs
one time interval after the series of glucose measurement
values.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the values or trend of values for
both skin conductance readings and temperature are used to predict
the likelihood of a hypoglycemic event.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein said predicting of the glucose
measurement value at a further time interval is carried out using
said series of three or more glucose measurement values in a series
function represented by: 10 y n + 1 = y n + ( y n - y n - 1 ) + 2 2
( y n - 2 y n - 1 + y n - 2 ) ( 7 ) wherein y is the measurement
value of glucose, n is the time interval between glucose
measurement values, and .alpha. is a real number between 0 and
1.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the series function is used to
predict the value of y.sub.n+1 wherein time interval n+1 occurs one
time interval after the series of glucose measurement values is
obtained.
8-9. (canceled)
10. The method of claim 1, wherein sample comprising glucose is
extracted from the subject into one or more collection reservoirs
to obtain an amount or concentration of glucose in a reservoir.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more collection
reservoirs are in contact with the skin or mucosal surface of the
subject and the sample is extracted using an iontophoretic current
applied to said skin or mucosal surface.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one collection
reservoir comprises an enzyme that reacts with the extracted
glucose to produce an electrochemically detectable signal to
provide said raw signal.
13. The method of claim 4412 wherein said enzyme is glucose
oxidase.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein said obtaining of the series of
glucose measurement values is performed using a near-IR
spectrometer.
15. A glucose monitoring system for measuring glucose in a subject,
said system comprising, in operative combination: a sensing
mechanism in operative contact with the subject or with a
glucose-containing sample extracted from the subject, wherein said
sensing mechanism obtains a raw signal specifically related to
glucose amount or concentration in the subject; a first device to
obtain skin conductance readings or temperature readings from the
subject, and one or more microprocessors in operative communication
with the sensing mechanism, wherein said microprocessors comprise
programming to (i) control the sensing mechanism to obtain a series
of raw signals at selected time intervals, (ii) correlate the raw
signals with measurement values indicative of the amount or
concentration of glucose present in the subject to obtain a series
of glucose measurement values, (iii) predict a glucose measurement
value at a further time interval, subsequent to obtaining the
series of glucose measurement values, (iv) compare said predicted
glucose measurement value to a threshold glucose value, wherein a
predicted glucose measurement value less than or equal to the
threshold glucose value is designated to be hypoglycemic, (v)
control the first device to measure skin conductance readings or
temperature readings of the subject, (vi) compare said skin
conductance readings or temperature readings with a threshold skin
conductance or temperature value or trend of skin conductance or
temperature values to determine whether said skin conductance
readings or temperature readings indicate a hypoglycemic event,
(vii) predict a hypoglycemic event in said subject when both (a)
comparing said predicted glucose measurement value to said
threshold glucose value indicates a hypoglycemic event at said
further time intervals, and (b) comparing said skin conductance
readings or temperature readings with a threshold skin conductance
or temperature value or trend of skin conductance or temperature
values indicates a hypoglycemic event; and (viii) control providing
an alert to the subject when a hypoglycemic event is predicted.
16. The monitoring system of claim 15, wherein the sensing
mechanism comprises a biosensor having an electrochemical sensing
element.
17. The monitoring system of claim 15, wherein the sensing
mechanism comprises a near-IR spectrometer.
18. The monitoring system of claim 15, wherein said first device to
obtain said skin conductance readings is a sweat probe.
19. The monitoring system of claim 15, wherein said first device to
obtain said temperature readings is a temperature probe.
20. The monitoring system of claim 15, wherein the selected time
intervals are evenly spaced.
21. The monitoring system of claim 15, wherein the series of lucose
measurement values obtained comprises three or more discrete
glucose measurement values.
22. The monitoring system of claim 21, wherein the further time
interval occurs one time interval after the series of glucose
measurement values.
23. The monitoring system of claim, wherein both skin conductance
readings and temperature readings are used to predict the
likelihood of a hypoglycemic event.
24. The monitoring system of claim 21, wherein said predicting of
glucose measurement value at a further time interval is carried out
using said series of three or more glucose measurement values in a
series function represented by: 11 y n + 1 = y n + ( y n - y n - 1
) + 2 2 ( y n - 2 y n - 1 + y n - 2 ) ( 7 ) wherein y is the
measurement value of glucose, n is the time interval between lucose
measurement values, and a is a real number between 0 and 1.
25. The monitoring system of claim 24, wherein the series function
is used to predict the value of y.sub.n+1 wherein time interval n+1
occurs one time interval after the series of glucose measurement
values is obtained.
26. One or more microprocessors, comprising programming to: (i)
control a sensing mechanism to obtain a series of raw signals at
selected time intervals, wherein each raw signal is related to an
amount or concentration of glucose in a subjects (ii) correlate the
raw signals with glucose measurement values indicative of the
amount or concentration of glucose present in the subject to obtain
a series of glucose measurement values-, (iii) predict a glucose
measurement value at a further time interval, subsequent to
obtaining the series of glucose measurement values; (iv) compare
said predicted glucose measurement value to a threshold lucose
value, wherein a predicted lucose measurement value less than or
equal to the threshold glucose value is designated to be
hypoglycemic; (v) control a first device to measure skin
conductance readings or temperature readings of the subject; (vi)
compare said skin conductance readings or temperature readings with
a threshold skin conductance or temperature value or trend of skin
conductance or temperature values to determine whether said skin
conductance readings or temperature readings indicate a
hypoglycemic event; and (vii) predict a hypoglycemic event in said
subject when both (a) comparing said predicted glucose measurement
value to said threshold glucose value indicates a hypoglycemic
event at said further time interval, and (b) comparing said skin
conductance readings or temperature readings with a threshold skin
conductance or temperature value or trend of skin conductance or
temperature values indicates a hypoglycemic event (viii) control
providing an alert to the subject when a hypoglycemic event is
predicted.
27. The one or more microprocessors of claim 26, wherein the
sensing mechanism comprises a biosensor having an electrochemical
sensing element.
28. The one or more microprocessors of claim 26, wherein the
sensing mechanism comprises a near-IR spectrometer.
29. The one or more microprocessors of claim 26, wherein the
selected time intervals are evenly spaced.
30. The one or more microprocessors of claim 26, wherein the series
of glucose measurement values obtained comprises three or more
discrete glucose measurement values.
31. The one or more microprocessors of claim 26, wherein the
further time interval occurs one time interval after the series of
glucose measurement values.
32. The one or more microprocessors of claim 36, wherein both skin
conductance readings and temperature readings are used to predict
the likelihood of a hypoglycemic event.
33. The one or more microprocessors of claim 30, wherein the
predicting the glucose measurement value at a further time interval
is carried out using said series of three or more glucose
measurement values in a series function represented by: 12 y n + 1
= y n + ( y n - y n - 1 ) + 2 2 ( y n - 2 y n - 1 + y n - 2 ) ( 7 )
wherein y is the measurement value of glucose, n is the time
interval between lucose measurement values, and a is a real number
between 0 and 1.
34. The one or more microprocessors of claim 33, wherein the series
function is used to predict the value of y.sub.n+1 wherein time
interval n+1 occurs one time interval after the series of glucose
measurement values is obtained.
35. The monitoring system of claim 15, further comprising a second
device and wherein said first device comprises a sweat probe to
obtain said skin conductance readings and said second device
comprises a temperature probe to obtain said temperature
readings.
36. The one or more microprocessors of claim 26, further comprising
programming to control a second device, wherein said first device
provides skin conductance readings and said second device provides
temperature readings.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/226,431, filed 18 Aug. 2000, from which
priority is claimed under 35 USC .sctn.1 19(e)(1), and which
application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Described herein are methods, devices, and microprocessors
useful for predicting a hypoglycemic event in a subject. The
present invention for prediction of hypoglycemic events typically
employs multiple parameters in the prediction. Such parameters
include, but are not limited to, glucose readings (current and/or
predicted), body temperature, and/or skin conductance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hypoglycemia is the most critical acute complication of
diabetes. Typically used present methods of self-monitoring of
blood glucose (SMBG) provide periodic measurements of blood glucose
obtained from a finger stick. This method produces measurements
that, while very accurate, are too infrequent to detect
hypoglycemic episodes. Frequently, in order to avoid hypoglycemia,
diabetics maintain abnormally high blood glucose levels to provide
a "buffer" against low blood glucose levels. This constant high
blood glucose level is the root cause of most long-term
complications of diabetes, namely, retinopathy, neuropathy,
nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease. In effect, the present
SMBG methods are forcing many diabetics to pay for a lower rate of
acute complications with a higher rate of chronic complications in
later life.
[0004] The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) (The
Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group. New Engl.
J. Med. 329, 977-1036 (1993)) clearly showed that more blood
glucose information is essential to better clinical outcomes. The
subject group that measured blood glucose and administered insulin
more frequently (3-7 times per day) had a substantially lower rate
of complications at the end of the study relative to the group that
tested and injected less frequently. Even so, the tight control
group was only able to reduce the average blood glucose to a value
approximately 50% above normal (153 mg/dL). Similarly, the HbA1c
levels (a measure of average blood glucose level over time) were
lowered substantially relative to the control group, but not into
the normal range. As a result of this more intensive therapy, the
tight control group experienced hypoglycemic events three times
more often than the control group. These results demonstrate that
three to seven blood glucose measurements per day are sufficient to
lower longer-term complication rates, but still do not provide
enough information to bring average blood glucose levels to normal,
or to prevent hypoglycemic events. Similar results have been
obtained for subjects on oral medication (UK Prospective Diabetes
Study (UKPDS) Group, Lancet 352:837-853 (1998); Ohkubo Y, et al.,
Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice 28:103-17 (1995)),
demonstrating the general benefit of frequent glucose monitoring in
the management of diabetes. However, Bolinder, et al., (Diabetes
Care 20:64-70 (1997)) show that even seven measurements per day
fail to detect more than one-third of all hypoglycemic events.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention describes methods, devices, and
microprocessors for predicting a hypoglycemic event in a subject.
The methods of the invention typically employ multiple parameters
to be used in prediction of the hypoglycemic event. Such parameters
include, but are not limited to, current glucose readings
(reflecting glucose amount or concentration in the subject), one or
more predicted future glucose reading, body temperature, and skin
conductance.
[0006] In one aspect the present invention comprises a method for
predicting a hypoglycemic event in a subject. The method comprises
determining threshold values (or ranges of values) for the selected
parameters, wherein the threshold values (or ranges of values) are
indicative of a hypoglycemic event in the subject: e.g.,
determining (i) a threshold glucose value (or range of values) that
corresponds to the hypoglycemic event, and (ii) at least one
threshold parameter value that is correlated with the hypoglycemic
event, wherein the parameter is either skin conductance readings or
temperature readings. In one embodiment of the invention both skin
conductance readings and temperature readings are employed. A
series of glucose measurement values is typically obtained at
selected time intervals. In one embodiment the time intervals are
evenly spaced. Such a series may be obtained, for example, using a
method comprising: extracting a sample comprising glucose from the
subject using a transdermal sampling system that is in operative
contact with a skin or mucosal surface of the subject; obtaining a
raw signal from the extracted glucose, wherein the raw signal is
specifically related to glucose amount or concentration in the
subject; correlating the raw signal with a glucose measurement
value indicative of the amount or concentration of glucose present
in the subject at the time of extraction; and repeating the
extracting, obtaining, and correlating to provide a series of
measurement values at selected time intervals. In one embodiment,
the sampling system is maintained in operative contact with the
skin or mucosal surface of the subject during the extracting,
obtaining, and correlating to provide for frequent glucose
measurements.
[0007] In the practice of this aspect of the method, either the
current glucose value (time=n) or a measurement value predicted for
a further time interval subsequent to the series of measurement
values (e.g., time=n+1; that is, one time interval after the most
recent measurement (time=n) in the series of measurement values),
is compared to the threshold glucose value, wherein a measurement
value lower than or equal to the threshold value is designated to
be hypoglycemic.
[0008] A parameter value or trend of parameter values is measured
concurrently, simultaneously, or sequentially with the obtaining of
the series of glucose measurement values. In one embodiment of the
invention, the parameter value or trend of parameter values is
reflective of either skin conductance readings or temperature
readings of the subject. The parameter value or trend of parameter
values is compared with the threshold parameter value (or range of
values) to determine whether the parameter value or trend of
parameter values indicates a hypoglycemic event. A hypoglycemic
event is predicted in the subject when both (i) comparing the
predicted measurement value to the threshold glucose value
indicates a hypoglycemic event, and (ii) comparing one or more
other parameter (e.g., body temperature and/or skin conductance)
with the threshold parameter value (or range of values) indicates a
hypoglycemic event.
[0009] In one embodiment of the above method, the series of
measurement values comprises three or more discrete values. In this
embodiment, the predicting of the measurement value at a further
time interval may be carried out using the series of three or more
measurement values in a series function represented by: 1 y n + 1 =
y n + ( y n - y n - 1 ) + 2 2 ( y n - 2 y n - 1 + y n - 2 ) ( 7
)
[0010] wherein y is the measurement value of glucose, n is the time
interval between measurement values, and .alpha. is a real number
between 0 and 1. The series function may be used to predict the
value of y.sub.n+1 where the time interval n+1 occurs one time
interval after the series of measurement values is obtained.
[0011] When skin conductance is a selected parameter, the sampling
system typically comprises a sweat probe and the skin conductance
readings are obtained using the sweat probe.
[0012] When body temperature is a selected parameter, the sampling
system typically comprises a temperature probe and the temperature
readings are obtained using the temperature probe.
[0013] In one embodiment of the method of the present invention,
the sample comprising glucose is extracted from the subject into a
collection reservoir to obtain an amount or concentration of
glucose in the reservoir. Such one or more collection reservoirs
are typically in contact with the skin or mucosal surface of the
subject and the sample is extracted using an iontophoretic current
applied to the skin or mucosal surface. Further, at least one
collection reservoir may comprise an enzyme that reacts with the
extracted glucose to produce an electrochemically detectable
signal, e.g., glucose oxidase. Alternatively, the series of glucose
measurement values may be obtained with a different device, for
example, using a near-IR spectrometer.
[0014] The present invention also includes a glucose monitoring
system usefull for performing the methods of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the glucose monitoring system comprises, in
operative combination, a sensing mechanism (in operative contact
with the subject or with a glucose-containing sample extracted from
the subject, wherein the sensing mechanism obtains a raw signal
specifically related to glucose amount or concentration in the
subject), a device to obtain either skin conductance readings or
temperature readings from the subject, and one or more
microprocessors in operative communication with the sensing
mechanism. The microprocessors comprise programming to (i) control
the sensing mechanism to obtain a series of raw signals at selected
time intervals, (ii) correlate the raw signals with measurement
values indicative of the amount or concentration of glucose present
in the subject to obtain a series of measurement values, (iii) when
necessary predict a measurement value at a further time interval,
which occurs after the series of measurement values is obtained,
(iv) compare the predicted measurement value to a predetermined
threshold value or range of values, wherein a predicted measurement
value lower than the predetermined threshold value is designated to
be hypoglycemic, (v) control the device for measuring skin
conductance readings or temperature readings of the subject, (vi)
compare the skin conductance readings or temperature readings with
a threshold parameter value, range of values, or trend of parameter
values to determine whether the skin conductance readings or
temperature readings indicate a hypoglycemic event; and (vii)
predict a hypoglycemic event in the subject when both (a) comparing
the predicted measurement value to the threshold glucose value (or
range of values) indicates a hypoglycemic event, and (b) comparing
the skin conductance readings and/or temperature readings with a
threshold parameter value, range of values, or trend of parameter
values indicates a hypoglycemic event.
[0015] The sensing mechanism of the monitoring system may, for
example, comprise a biosensor having an electrochemical sensing
element or a near-IR spectrometer. Further, the monitoring system
may comprise a device to obtain the skin conductance readings
(e.g., a sweat probe) and/or a device to obtain the temperature
readings (e.g., a temperature probe).
[0016] In one embodiment of the monitoring system, the predicting
of a measurement value at a further time interval is carried out
using the series of three or more measurement values in a series
function represented by: 2 y n + 1 = y n + ( y n - y n - 1 ) + 2 2
( y n - 2 y n - 1 + y n - 2 ) ( 7 )
[0017] wherein y is the measurement value of glucose, n is the time
interval between measurement values, and a is a real number between
0 and 1.
[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, the method for
prediction of hypoglycemic events employs a decision tree that
utilizes a hierarchical evaluation of thresholds of selected
parameters, where the thresholds are indicative of a hypoglycemic
event. Such parameters include, but are not limited to, current
glucose readings (reflecting glucose amount or concentration in the
subject), one or more predicted future glucose reading, body
temperature, and skin conductance. In another aspect, the present
invention comprises one or more microprocessors programmed to
control the above described methods, measurement cycle, devices,
mechanisms, calculations, predictions, comparisons, evaluations,
etc. The microprocessors may also mediate an alarm or alert related
to the predicted hypoglycemic event.
[0019] These and other embodiments of the present invention will
readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
disclosure herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0020] FIG. 1 presents a schematic diagram of a skin-side view of
the GlucoWatch.RTM. (Cygnus, Inc., Redwood City, Calif., US)
biographer system.
[0021] FIG. 2 presents a comparison of GlucoWatch biographer
measurement with conventional blood glucose measurement over 14
hours for one subject.
[0022] FIG. 3 presents data showing the average minimum temperature
during each GlucoWatch biographer measurement cycle vs. reference
blood glucose.
[0023] FIG. 4 presents data showing average skin conductivity
reading vs. blood glucose range.
[0024] FIG. 5 presents data showing percentage of skin conductivity
readings indicating perspiration vs. blood glucose range.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The practice of the present invention will employ, unless
otherwise indicated, conventional methods of diagnostics,
chemistry, biochemistry, electrochemistry, statistics, and
pharmacology, within the skill of the art in view of the teachings
of the present specification. Such conventional methods are
explained fully in the literature.
[0026] All publications, patents and patent applications cited
herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
[0027] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural references unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,
reference to "a reservoir" includes a combination of two or more
such reservoirs, reference to "an analyte" includes mixtures of
analytes, and the like.
[0028] 1. Definitions
[0029] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although
other methods and materials similar, or equivalent, to those
described herein can be used in the practice of the present
invention, the preferred materials and methods are described
herein.
[0030] In describing and claiming the present invention, the
following terminology will be used in accordance with the
definitions set out below.
[0031] The term "microprocessor" refers to a computer processor
contained on an integrated circuit chip, such a processor may also
include memory and associated circuits. A microprocessor may
further comprise programmed instructions to execute or control
selected functions, computational methods, switching, etc.
Microprocessors and associated devices are commercially available
from a number of sources, including, but not limited to, Cypress
Semiconductor Corporation, San Jose, Calif.; IBM Corporation, White
Plains, N.Y.; Applied Microsystems Corporation, Redmond, Wash.;
Intel Corporation, Chandler, Ariz.; NEC Corporation, New York,
N.Y.; and, National Semiconductor, Santa Clara, Calif.
[0032] The terms "analyte" and "target analyte" are used to denote
any physiological analyte of interest that is a specific substance
or component that is being detected and/or measured in a chemical,
physical, enzymatic, or optical analysis. A detectable signal
(e.g., a chemical signal or electrochemical signal) can be
obtained, either directly or indirectly, from such an analyte or
derivatives thereof. Furthermore, the terms "analyte" and
"substance" are used interchangeably herein, and are intended to
have the same meaning, and thus encompass any substance of
interest. In preferred embodiments, the analyte is a physiological
analyte of interest, for example, glucose, or a chemical that has a
physiological action, for example, a drug or pharmacological
agent.
[0033] A "sampling device," "sampling mechanism" or "sampling
system" refers to any device and/or associated method for obtaining
a sample from a biological system for the purpose of determining
the concentration of an analyte of interest. Such "biological
systems" include any biological system from which the analyte of
interest can be extracted, including, but not limited to, blood,
interstitial fluid, perspiration and tears. Further, a "biological
system" includes both living and artificially maintained systems.
The term "sampling" mechanism refers to extraction of a substance
from the biological system, generally across a membrane such as the
stratum comeum or mucosal membranes, wherein said sampling is
invasive, minimally invasive, semi-invasive or non-invasive. The
membrane can be natural or artificial, and can be of plant or
animal nature, such as natural or artificial skin, blood vessel
tissue, intestinal tissue, and the like. Typically, the sampling
mechanism is in operative contact with a "reservoir," or
"collection reservoir," wherein the sampling mechanism is used for
extracting the analyte from the biological system into the
reservoir to obtain the analyte in the reservoir. Non-limiting
examples of sampling techniques include iontophoresis, sonophoresis
(see, e.g., International Publication No. WO 91/12772, published 5
Sep. 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,632), suction, electroporation,
thermal poration, passive diffusion (see, e.g.; International
Publication Nos.: WO 97/38126 (published 16 Oct. 1997); WO
97/42888, WO 97/42886, WO 97/42885, and WO 97/42882 (all published
20 Nov. 1997); and WO 97/43962 (published 27 Nov. 1997)), microfine
(miniature) lances or cannulas, biolistic (e.g., using particles
accelerated to high speeds), subcutaneous implants or insertions,
and laser devices (see, e.g., Jacques et al. (1978) J. Invest.
Dermatology 88:88-93; International Publication WO 99/44507,
published Sep. 10, 1999 International Publication WO 99/44638,
published Sep. 10, 1999 and International Publication WO 99/40848,
published Aug. 19, 1999). Iontophoretic sampling devices are
described, for example, in International Publication No. WO
97/24059, published 10 Jul. 1997; European Patent Application EP
0942 278, published 15 Sep. 1999; International Publication No. WO
96/00110, published 4 Jan. 1996; International Publication No. WO
97/10499, published 2 Mar. 1997; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,279,543;
5,362,307; 5,730,714; 5,771,890; 5,989,409; 5,735,273; 5,827,183;
5,954,685 and 6,023,629, all of which are herein incorporated by
reference in their entireties. Further, a polymeric membrane may be
used at, for example, the electrode surface to block or inhibit
access of interfering species to the reactive surface of the
electrode.
[0034] The term "physiological fluid" refers to any desired fluid
to be sampled, and includes, but is not limited to, blood,
cerebrospinal fluid, interstitial fluid, semen, sweat, saliva,
urine and the like.
[0035] The term "artificial membrane" or "artificial surface,"
refers to, for example, a polymeric membrane, or an aggregation of
cells of monolayer thickness or greater which are grown or cultured
in vivo or in vitro, wherein said membrane or surface functions as
a tissue of an organism but is not actually derived, or excised,
from a pre-existing source or host.
[0036] A "monitoring system" or "analyte monitoring device" refer
to a system useful for obtaining frequent measurements of a
physiological analyte present in a biological system. Such a device
is useful, for example, for monitoring the amount or concentration
of an analyte in a subject. Such a system may comprise, but is not
limited to, a sampling mechanism, a sensing mechanism, and a
microprocessor mechanism in operative communication with the
sampling mechanism and the sensing mechanism. Such a device
typically provides frequent measurement or determination of analyte
amount or concentration in the subject and provides an alert or
alerts when levels of the analyte being monitored fall outside of a
predetermined range. Such devices may comprise durable and
consumable (or disposable) elements. The term "glucose monitoring
device" refers to a device for monitoring the amount or
concentration of glucose in a subject. Such a device typically
provides a frequent measurement or determination of glucose amount
or concentration in the subject and provides an alert or alerts
when glucose levels fall outside of a predetermined range. One such
exemplary glucose monitoring device is the GlucoWatch biographer
available from Cygnus, Inc., Redwood City, Calif., US. The
GlucoWatch biographer comprises two primary elements, a durable
element (comprising a watch-type housing, circuitry, display
element, microprocessor element, electrical connector elements, and
may further comprise a power supply) and a consumable, or
disposable, element (e.g., an AutoSensor component involved in
sampling and signal detection, see, for example, WO 99/58190,
published 18 Nov. 1999). This and similar devices is described, for
example, in the following publications: Tamada, et al., (1999) JAMA
282:1839-1844; U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,890, issued 30 Jun. 1998; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,735,273, issued 7 Apr. 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,183,
issued 27 Oct. 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,685, issued 21 Sep. 1999;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,409, issued 23 Nov. 1999; U.S. Pat. No.
6,023,629, issued 8 Feb. 2000; EP Patent Application EP 0 942 278
A2, published 15 Sept. 1999; PCT International Application WO
96/001100, published 4 Jan. 1996; PCT International Application WO
99/58190, published 18 Nov. 1999. The GlucoWatch biographer
provides a device for frequent sampling of glucose from a subject
the application of low intensity electric fields across the skin
(iontophoresis) to enhance the transport of glucose from body
tissues to a sampling chamber. In addition, when the concentration
or amount of glucose has been determined to be outside of a
predetermined range of values the GlucoWatch biographer produces an
alert or alarm signal. Such an alert or alarm is a component of the
GlucoWatch biographer.
[0037] A "measurement cycle" typically comprises extraction of an
analyte from a subject, using, for example, a sampling device, and
sensing of the extracted analyte, for example, using a sensing
device, to provide a measured signal, for example, a measured
signal response curve. A complete measurement cycle may comprise
one or more sets of extraction and sensing.
[0038] The term "frequent measurement" refers to a series of two or
more measurements obtained from a particular biological system,
which measurements are obtained using a single device maintained in
operative contact with the biological system over a time period in
which a series of measurements (e.g, second, minute or hour
intervals) is obtained. The term thus includes continual and
continuous measurements.
[0039] The term "subject" encompasses any warm-blooded animal,
particularly including a member of the class Mammalia such as,
without limitation, humans and nonhuman primates such as
chimpanzees and other apes and monkey species; farm animals such as
cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses; domestic mammals such as
dogs and cats; laboratory animals including rodents such as mice,
rats and guinea pigs, and the like. The term does not denote a
particular age or sex and, thus, includes adult and newborn
subjects, whether male or female.
[0040] The term "transdermal" includes both transdermal and
transmucosal techniques, i.e., extraction of a target analyte
across skin, e.g., stratum comeum, or mucosal tissue. Aspects of
the invention which are described herein in the context of
"transdermal," unless otherwise specified, are meant to apply to
both transdermal and transmucosal techniques.
[0041] The term "transdermal extraction," or "transdermally
extracted" refers to any sampling method, which entails extracting
and/or transporting an analyte from beneath a tissue surface across
skin or mucosal tissue. The term thus includes extraction of an
analyte using, for example, iontophoresis (reverse iontophoresis),
electroosmosis, sonophoresis, microdialysis, suction, and passive
diffusion. These methods can, of course, be coupled with
application of skin penetration enhancers or skin permeability
enhancing technique such as various substances or physical methods
such as tape stripping or pricking with micro-needles. The term
"transdermally extracted" also encompasses extraction techniques
which employ thermal poration, laser microporation,
electroporation, microfine lances, microfine cannulas, subcutaneous
implants or insertions, combinations thereof, and the like.
[0042] The term "iontophoresis" refers to a method for transporting
substances across tissue by way of an application of electrical
energy to the tissue. In conventional iontophoresis,;a reservoir is
provided at the tissue surface to serve as a container of (or to
provide containment for) material to be transported. lontophoresis
can be carried out using standard methods known to those of skill
in the art, for example by-establishing an electrical potential
using a direct current (DC) between fixed anode and cathode
"iontophoretic electrodes," alternating a direct current between
anode and cathode iontophoretic electrodes, or using a more complex
waveform such as applying a current with alternating polarity (AP)
between iontophoretic electrodes (so that each electrode is
alternately an anode or a cathode). For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,771,890 and 6,023,629 and PCT Publication No. WO 96/00109,
published 4 Jan. 1996.
[0043] The term "reverse iontophoresis" refers to the movement of a
substance from a biological fluid across a membrane by way of an
applied electric potential or current. In reverse iontophoresis, a
reservoir is provided at the tissue surface to receive the
extracted material, as used in the GlucoWatch biographer glucose
monitor (See, e.g., Tamada et al. (1999) JAMA 282:1839-1844;
Cygnus, Inc., Redwood City, Calif.). "Electroosmosis" refers to the
movement of a substance through a membrane by way of an electric
field-induced convective flow. The terms iontophoresis, reverse
iontophoresis, and electroosmosis, will be used interchangeably
herein to refer to movement of any ionically charged or uncharged
substance across a membrane (e.g., an epithelial membrane) upon
application of an electric potential to the membrane through an
ionically conductive medium.
[0044] The term "sensing device," or "sensing mechanism,"
encompasses any device that can be used to measure the
concentration or amount of an analyte, or derivative thereof, of
interest. The sensing mechanism may employ any suitable sensing
element to provide the raw signal (where the raw signal is
specifically related to analyte amount or concentration) including,
but not limited to, physical, chemical, electrochemical,
photochemical, spectrophotometric, polarimetric, colorimetric,
radiometric, or like elements, and combinations thereof. Examples
of electrochemical devices include the Clark electrode system (see,
e.g., Updike, et al., (1967) Nature 214:986-988), and other
amperometric, coulometric, or potentiometric electrochemical
devices, as well as, optical methods, for example UV detection or
infrared detection (e.g., U. S. Pat. No. 5,747,806). Further
examples include, a near-IR radiation diffuse-reflection laser
spectroscopy device (e.g, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,152 to
Yang, et al.). Similar near-IR spectrometric devices are also
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,229 to Rosenthal, et al. and U.S.
Pat. No. 4,975,581 to Robinson, et al. These near-IR devices use
traditional methods of reflective or transmissive near infrared
(near-IR) analysis to measure absorbance at one or more
glucose-specific wavelengths, and can be contacted with the subject
at an appropriate location, such as a finger-tip, skin fold,
eyelid, or forearm surface to obtain the raw signal. In preferred
embodiments of the invention, a biosensor is used which comprises
an electrochemical sensing element.
[0045] A "biosensor" or "biosensor device" includes, but is not
limited to, a "sensor element" that includes, but is not limited
to, a "biosensor electrode" or "sensing electrode" or "working
electrode" which refers to the electrode that is monitored to
determine the amount of electrical signal at a point in time or
over a given time period, which signal is then correlated with the
concentration of a chemical compound. The sensing electrode
comprises a reactive surface which converts the analyte, or a
derivative thereof, to electrical signal. The reactive surface can
be comprised of any electrically conductive material such as, but
not limited to, platinum-group metals (including, platinum,
palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium), nickel,
copper, and silver, as well as, oxides, and dioxides, thereof, and
combinations or alloys of the foregoing, which may include carbon
as well. Some catalytic materials, membranes, and fabrication
technologies suitable for the construction of amperometric
biosensors are described by Newman, J. D., et al.(1995) Analytical
Chemistry 67:4594-4599.
[0046] The "sensor element" can include components in addition to
the sensing electrode, for example, it can include a "reference
electrode" and a "counter electrode." The term "reference
electrode" is used to mean an electrode that provides a reference
potential, e.g., a potential can be established between a reference
electrode and a working electrode. The term "counter electrode" is
used to mean an electrode in an electrochemical circuit that acts
as a current source or sink to complete the electrochemical
circuit. Although it is not essential that a counter electrode be
employed where a reference electrode is included in the circuit and
the electrode is capable of performing the function of a counter
electrode, it is preferred to have separate counter and reference
electrodes because the reference potential provided by the
reference electrode is most stable when it is at equilibrium. If
the reference electrode is required to act further as a counter
electrode, the current flowing through the reference electrode may
disturb this equilibrium. Consequently, separate electrodes
functioning as counter and reference electrodes are preferred.
[0047] In one embodiment, the "counter electrode" of the "sensor
element" comprises a "bimodal electrode." The term "bimodal
electrode" typically refers to an electrode which is capable of
functioning non-simultaneously as, for example, both the counter
electrode (of the "sensor element") and the iontophoretic electrode
(of the "sampling mechanism") as described, for example, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,954,685.
[0048] The terms "reactive surface," and "reactive face" are used
interchangeably herein to mean the surface of the sensing electrode
that: (1) is in contact with the surface of an ionically conductive
material which contains an analyte or through which an analyte, or
a derivative thereof, flows from a source thereof; (2) is comprised
of a catalytic material (e.g., a platinum group metal, platinum,
palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, or nickel and/or oxides, dioxides
and combinations or alloys thereof) or a material that provides
sites for electrochemical reaction; (3) converts a chemical signal
(for example, hydrogen peroxide) into an electrical signal (e.g.,
an electrical current); and (4) defines the electrode surface area
that, when composed of a reactive material, is sufficient to drive
the electrochemical reaction at a rate sufficient to generate a
detectable, reproducibly measurable, electrical signal that is
correlatable with the amount of analyte present in the
electrolyte.
[0049] An "ionically conductive material" refers to any material
that provides ionic conductivity, and through which
electrochemically active species can diffuse. The ionically
conductive material can be, for example, a solid, liquid, or
semi-solid (e.g., in the form of a gel) material that contains an
electrolyte, which can be composed primarily of water and ions
(e.g., sodium chloride), and generally comprises 50% or more water
by weight. The material can be in the form of a hydrogel, a sponge
or pad (e.g., soaked with an electrolytic solution), or any other
material that can contain an electrolyte and allow passage of
electrochemically active species, especially the analyte of
interest. Some exemplary hydrogel formulations are described in WO
97/02811, published Jan. 30, 1997. The ionically conductive
material may comprise a biocide. For example, during --manufacture
of an AutoSensor assembly, one or more biocides may be incorporated
into the ionically conductive material. Biocides of interest
include, but are not limited to, compounds such as chlorinated
hydrocarbons; organometallics; hydrogen releasing compounds;
metallic salts; organic sulfur compounds; phenolic compounds
(including, but not limited to, a variety of Nipa Hardwicke Inc.
liquid preservatives registered under the trade names
Nipastat.RTM., Nipaguard.RTM., Phenosept.RTM., Phenonip.RTM.,
Phenoxetol.RTM., and Nipacide.RTM.); quaternary ammonium compounds;
surfactants and other membrane-disrupting agents (including, but
not limited to, undecylenic acid and its salts), combinations
thereof, and the like.
[0050] The term "buffer" refers to one or more components which are
added to a composition in order to adjust or maintain the pH of the
composition.
[0051] The term "electrolyte" refers to a component of the
ionically conductive medium which allows an ionic current to flow
within the medium. This component of the ionically conductive
medium can be one or more salts or buffer components, but is not
limited to these materials.
[0052] The term "collection reservoir" is used to describe any
suitable containment method or device for containing a sample
extracted from a biological system. For example, the collection
reservoir can be a receptacle containing a material which is
ionically conductive (e.g., water with ions therein), or
alternatively it can be a material, such as a sponge-like material
or hydrophilic polymer, used to keep the water in place. Such
collection reservoirs can be in the form of a hydrogel (for
example, in the shape of a disk or pad). Hydrogels are typically
referred to as "collection inserts." Other suitable collection
reservoirs include, but are not limited to, tubes, vials, strips,
capillary collection devices, cannulas, and miniaturized etched,
ablated or molded flow paths.
[0053] A "collection insert layer" is a layer of an assembly or
laminate comprising a collection reservoir (or collection insert)
located, for example, between a mask layer and a retaining
layer.
[0054] A "laminate" refers to structures comprised of, at least,
two bonded layers. The layers may be bonded by welding or through
the use of adhesives. Examples of welding include, but are not
limited to, the following: ultrasonic welding, heat bonding, and
inductively coupled localized heating followed by localized flow.
Examples of common adhesives include, but are not limited to,
chemical compounds such as, cyanoacrylate adhesives, and epoxies,
as well as adhesives having such physical attributes as, but not
limited to, the following: pressure sensitive adhesives, thermoset
adhesives, contact adhesives, and heat sensitive adhesives.
[0055] A "collection assembly" refers to structures comprised of
several layers, where the assembly includes at least one collection
insert layer, for example a hydrogel. An example of a collection
assembly as referred to in the present invention is a mask layer,
collection insert layer, and a retaining layer where the layers are
held in appropriate functional relationship to each other but are
not necessarily a laminate (i.e., the layers may not be bonded
together. The layers may, for example, be held together by
interlocking geometry or friction).
[0056] The term "mask layer" refers to a component of a collection
assembly that is substantially planar and typically contacts both
the biological system and the collection insert layer. See, for
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,735,273, 5,827,183, and 6,201,979, all
herein incorporated by reference.
[0057] The term "gel retaining layer" or "gel retainer" refers to a
component of a collection assembly that is substantially planar and
typically contacts both the collection insert layer and the
electrode assembly.
[0058] The term "support tray" typically refers to a rigid,
substantially planar platform and is used to support and/or align
the electrode assembly and the collection assembly. The support
tray provides one way of placing the electrode assembly and the
collection assembly into the sampling system.
[0059] An "AutoSensor assembly" refers to a structure generally
comprising a mask layer, collection insert layer, a gel retaining
layer, an electrode assembly, and a support tray. The AutoSensor
assembly may also include liners where the layers are held in
approximate, functional relationship to each other. Exemplary
collection assemblies and AutoSensor structures are described, for
example, in International Publication WO 99/58190, published 18
Nov. 1999; and U.S. Pat. Numbers 5,735,273 and 5,827,183. The mask
and retaining layers are preferably composed of materials that are
substantially impermeable to the analyte (chemical signal) to be
detected; however, the material can be permeable to other
substances. By "substantially impermeable" is meant that the
material reduces or eliminates chemical signal transport (e.g., by
diffusion). The material can allow for a low level of chemical
signal transport, with the proviso that chemical signal passing
through the material does not cause significant edge effects at the
sensing electrode.
[0060] The terms "about" or "approximately" when associated with a
numeric value refers to that numeric value plus or minus 10 units
of measure (i.e. percent, grams, degrees or volts), preferably plus
or minus 5 units of measure, more preferably plus or minus 2 units
of measure, most preferably plus or minus 1 unit of measure.
[0061] By the term "printed" is meant a substantially uniform
deposition of an electrode formulation onto one surface of a
substrate (i.e., the base support). It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that a variety of techniques may be used to
effect substantially uniform deposition of a material onto a
substrate, e.g., Gravure-type printing, extrusion coating, screen
coating, spraying, painting, electroplating, laminating, or the
like.
[0062] The term "physiological effect" encompasses effects produced
in the subject that achieve the purpose of a therapy. In preferred
embodiments, a physiological effect means that the symptoms of the
subject being treated are prevented or alleviated. For example, a
physiological effect would be one that results in the prolongation
of survival in a patient. "Parameter" refers to an arbitrary
constant or variable so appearing in a mathematical expression that
changing it gives various cases of the phenomenon represented
(McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, S. P.
Parker, ed., Fifth Edition, McGraw-Hill Inc., 1994). A parameter is
any of a set of properties whose values determine the
characteristics or behavior of something. "Decay" refers to a
gradual reduction in the magnitude of a quantity, for example, a
current detected using a sensor electrode where the current is
correlated to the concentration of a particular analyte and where
the detected current gradually reduces but the concentration of the
analyte does not.
[0063] "Skip" or "skipped" signals refer to data that do not
conform to predetermined criteria (for example, error-associated
criteria as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,471, herein
incorporated by reference). A skipped reading, signal, or
measurement value typically has been rejected (i.e., a "skip error"
generated) as not being reliable or valid because it does not
conform with data integrity checks, for example, where a signal is
subjected to a data screen which invalidates incorrect signals
based on a detected parameter indicative of a poor or incorrect
signal.
[0064] The term "Taylor Series Exponential Smoothing Function
("TSES")" encompasses mathematical functions (algorithms) for
predicting the behavior of a variable at a different point in time,
which factors in the slope, and the rate of change of the slope. An
example of a TSES function useful in connection with the present
invention is a TSES function represented by: 3 y n + 1 = y n + ( y
n - y n - 1 ) + 2 2 ( y n - 2 y n - 1 + y n - 2 ) ( 7 )
[0065] wherein: .alpha. is an optimizable variable which is a real
number of between 0 and 1, and is adjusted based on the particular
measurements obtained and the relationship between those
measurements and actual results; n is an evenly spaced time
interval;
[0066] and y is an analyte concentration or signal converted to an
analyte concentration 20 which signal measurement is optimized to
fit the results sought, e.g., to correspond with a reference
analyte concentration (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,364,
issued 7 Aug. 2001; WO 99 58973, published 18 Nov. 1999; both
herein incorporated by reference in their entireties).
[0067] A "future time point" refers to the time point in the future
at which the 25 concentration of the analyte of interest or another
parameter value is predicted. In preferred embodiments, this term
refers to a time point that is one time interval ahead, where a
time interval is the amount of time between sampling and sensing
events.
[0068] 2.0 Mides of Carrying out the Invention
[0069] Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to
be understood that this invention is not limited to particular
formulations or process parameters as such may, of course, vary. It
is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention
only, and is not intended to be limiting.
[0070] Although a number of methods and materials similar or
equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of
the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are
described herein.
[0071] 2.1 General Overview of the Invention
[0072] Hypoglycemia is the most important acute complication of
diabetes and is a major obstacle to achieving optimal blood glucose
control. Nocturnal hypoglycemia can be particularly troublesome for
many patients. The research proposed here utilizes information
obtained from a data stream, e.g., frequently obtained glucose
values, skin conductance or. temperature readings, generated by a
frequent sampling glucose monitoring device, e.g., the GlucoWatch
biographer system, coupled with a time-series forecasting approach,
to predict incipient hypoglycemic events and to alert the user.
[0073] The invention is described herein with reference to the
GlucoWatch biographer system as an exemplary glucose monitoring
system capable of providing frequent readings of glucose amount or
concentration for a user. The GlucoWatch biographer system extracts
glucose through the skin via reverse iontophoresis and measures the
extracted glucose with an amperometric biosensor. Glucose readings
can be obtained, for example, every twenty minutes for a
twelve-hour measurement period. Large-scale clinical trials of this
device in diabetic subjects have been completed (Tiemey, M. J., et
al., Annals of Medicine, 32, 632-641 (2000); Tierney, M. J., et
al., Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics, 2 (2), 197-205 (2000);
Tamada, J. A., et al., J. Am. Med. Assoc. 282, 1839-44 (1999)).
[0074] A major disadvantage of the current paradigm of discrete
blood glucose measurements for self-monitoring of blood glucose
(SMBG) levels for diabetics is that the low number of measurements
performed per day (on average 1.8 readings per day) is insufficient
to track blood glucose excursions occurring between the
measurements. More frequent monitoring is desirable both for
determining the normal diurnal blood glucose profile, and for
detection of hypoglycemic events. The GlucoWatch biographer system
measures glucose levels every 20 minutes, and has been shown to
track blood glucose levels accurately. In addition, the GlucoWatch
biographer system sounds an audible alarm if the measured glucose
level falls below a user-settable low glucose threshold, or if the
measured glucose level falls rapidly between successive readings.
Although the present GlucoWatch biographer system is able to
accurately detect the presence of hypoglycemic conditions, it is
not currently able to predict hypoglycemic events in advance.
[0075] Experiments performed in support of the present invention
indicate methods to improve the hypoglycemic event prediction
ability of the GlucoWatch biographer system by combining (i) the
continual stream of glucose readings, with other physiological
measures that are indicators of hypoglycemia, for example, (ii)
skin temperature and/or (iii) perspiration. In a preferred
embodiment, combinations of these three physiological parameters
results in a more robust predictor of hypoglycemia.
[0076] In addition, the method of the present invention employs a
time-series forecasting algorithm. This technique uses several
previous readings to predict with sufficient accuracy the glucose
level a short time in the future. Therefore, this technique could
be used to predict incipient hypoglycemia. The time-series
forecasting algorithm has been described in co-owned, co-pending,
WO 99/58973, published 18 Nov. 1999, herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety. Predictions based on this method are
combined with predictions based on the methods described above.
[0077] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention may be
summarized as follows. A series of conditional statements leading
to a prediction of a hypoglycemic event are established. Such
conditional statements may be based on several processes. For
example, a first process, e.g., prediction of a hypoglycemic event
related to information based on current blood glucose values,
and/or a second process, e.g., prediction of a hypoglycemic event
related to a temperature-based prediction, and/or a third process,
e.g., prediction of a hypoglycemic event related to a skin
conductance-based prediction. A hypoglycemic event may be predicted
by any or all of these processes (or one process combining all of
these processes). This information is then coupled with information
from, e.g., a fourth process, such as prediction of a hypoglycemic
event based on a future value predicted by a time-series algorithm.
The information from several or all of these processes may then be
evaluated together. The more processes that predict a hypoglycemic
event the more likely that prediction of a hypoglycemic event is
correct. Accordingly, combining the predictions of these processes
results in a more robust predictor of hypoglycemic events.
[0078] 2.2 Description of an Exemplary Glucose Monitoring
System
[0079] Numerous glucose monitoring systems can be used in the
practice of the present invention. Typically, the monitoring system
used to monitor the level of a selected glucose in a target system
comprises a sampling device, which provides a sample comprising
glucose, and a sensing device, which detects the amount or
concentration of glucose or a signal associated with the glucose
amount or concentration in the sample.
[0080] An exemplary glucose monitoring system which provides
frequent measurements of glucose amount or concentrations is the
GlucoWatch biographer system. This system is a wearable,
non-invasive glucose monitoring system that provides a glucose
reading automatically every twenty minutes. The GlucoWatch
biographer system has several advantages including, but not limited
to, the fact that its non-invasive and non-obtrusive nature
encourages more frequent glucose testing among people (or animals)
with diabetes. Of greater clinical relevance is the frequent nature
of the information provided. Prior to the GlucoWatch biographer
system no method existed for frequent glucose measurement outside
of invasive means, often requiring hospital care (Mastrototaro, J.
J., and Gross, T. M., "Clinical Results from the MiniMed Continuous
Glucose Monitoring System" Proc. 31.sup.st Annual Oak Ridge
Conference, April, 1999). The GlucoWatch biographer system provides
more frequent monitoring often desired by physicians in an
automatic, non-invasive, and user-friendly manner. The automatic
nature of the system also allows monitoring to continue even while
a user is sleeping or otherwise unable to test.
[0081] The GlucoWatch biographer system comprises: (a)
iontophoretic transport of glucose across the skin to
non-invasively sample the glucose, (b) an electrochemical biosensor
to measure the glucose concentration, and (c) an intelligent
data-processing algorithm that coverts the raw biosensor signals to
glucose readings while safeguarding against erroneous results
through data point screening routines. These aspects of the system
are briefly described below and are described more extensively in
the publications referenced in the "Definitions" section,
above.
[0082] The first aspect of the system is the iontophoretic
extraction of glucose. Many small molecules are transported through
the skin by either passive or facilitated means. Passive transport
of compounds such as nicotine, estradiol, testosterone, etc. is the
basis of transdermal drug delivery (skin patches). Transport
through human skin can be greatly enhanced by the application of an
electric field gradient. The use of a low-level electric current to
enhance transport is known, generically, as iontophoresis.
[0083] Iontophoretic transport through skin can occur in either
direction (Glikfeld, P., et al., Pharm. Res. 6, 988-990 (1989)). In
particular, it was shown that small molecules such as glucose,
ethanol, and theophylline are readily transported through the skin
into an external collection chamber. Because transport through the
skin is in the opposite direction to that used in iontophoretic
drug delivery, this effect was described as "reverse iontophoresis"
(U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,307, issued Nov. 8, 1994.; U.S. Pat. No.
5,279,543, issued Jan. 18, 1994.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,714, issued
Mar. 24, 1998). In fact, because glucose is an uncharged molecule,
transport is achieved through electro-osmosis. Results obtained
from analyses using the GlucoWatch biographer system showed that
extracted glucose correlated closely with blood glucose (Tamada, J.
A., et al., JAMA 282:1839-1844, 1999).
[0084] The second aspect of the system involves the use of an
electrochemical glucose biosensor. The GlucoWatch biographer system
utilizes an electrochemical biosensor assembly to quantitate the
glucose extracted through the skin. There are two biosensors in the
GlucoWatch biographer system (FIG. 1). Each biosensor consists of a
hydrogel pad containing the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) and a set
of electrodes. One surface of the hydrogel pad contacts the skin
while the opposite surface is in contact with the biosensor and
iontophoresis electrodes. The hydrogel pads serve two functions.
During iontophoresis the pads serve as the electrical contacts with
the skin and the collection reservoirs for the extracted glucose.
During the sensing portion of the cycle, the glucose extracted
through the skin reacts with the GOx in the hydrogel pads via the
reaction: 1
[0085] The H.sub.2O.sub.2 produced by this reaction is then
detected amperometrically at the platinum/carbon working electrode
of the sensor. The integrated sensor current measured is
proportional to-the concentration of H.sub.2O.sub.2, and ultimately
to the amount of glucose extracted. The extraction and sensing
portions of the cycle occur in succession, and the cycle repeats to
provide a measurement of glucose every twenty minutes.
[0086] For convenience to the user, the GlucoWatch biographer
system was developed as a miniaturized device which can be worn on
the wrist, forearm, upperarm, or other body part. The GlucoWatch
biographer system durable component contains electronics for the
biosensors and iontophoresis, a microprocessor, data storage
memory, and an LCD display. Two sets of biosensors and
iontophoresis electrodes are fitted onto the skin side of the
device (e.g., a consumable component, the AutoSensor). A schematic
diagram of the AutoSensor of the GlucoWatch biographer system is
shown in FIG. 1.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded view of exemplary
components comprising one embodiment of an AutoSensor for use in an
iontophoretic sampling system is presented. The AutoSensor
components include two biosensor/iontophoretic electrode
assemblies, 104 and 106, each of which have an annular
iontophoretic electrode, respectively indicated at 108 and 110,
which encircles a biosensor electrode 112 and 114. The electrode
assemblies 104 and 106 are printed onto a polymeric substrate 116
which is maintained within a sensor tray 118. A collection
reservoir assembly 120 is arranged over the electrode assemblies,
wherein the collection reservoir assembly comprises two hydrogel
inserts 122 and 124 retained by a gel retaining layer 126 and mask
layer 128. Further release liners may be included in the assembly,
for example, a patient liner 130, and a plow-fold liner 132. In one
embodiment, the electrode assemblies comprise bimodal electrodes. A
mask layer 128 (for example, as described in PCT Publication No. WO
97/10356, published 20 Mar. 1997, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,735,273,
5,827,183, 6,141,573, and 6,201,979, all herein incorporated by
reference) may be present. Other AutoSensor embodiments are
described in WO 99/58190, published 18 Nov. 1999, herein
incorporated by reference.
[0088] The mask and retaining layers are preferably composed of
materials that are substantially impermeable to the analyte (e.g.,
glucose) to be detected (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,735,273, and 5,827,183, both herein incorporated by reference).
By "substantially impermeable" is meant that the material reduces
or eliminates analyte transport (e.g., by diffusion). The material
can allow for a low level of analyte transport, with the proviso
that the analyte that passes through the material does not cause
significant edge effects at the sensing electrode used in
conjunction with the mask and retaining layers. Examples of
materials that can be used to form the layers include, but are not
limited to, polyester, polyester derivatives, other polyester-like
materials, polyurethane, polyurethane derivatives and other
polyurethane-like materials.
[0089] The components shown in exploded view in FIG. 1 are for use
in a automatic sampling system which is configured to be worn like
an ordinary wristwatch, as described, for example, in PCT
Publication No. WO 96/00110, published 4 Jan. 1996, herein
incorporated by reference. The wristwatch housing can further
include suitable electronics (e.g., one or more microprocessor(s),
memory, display and other circuit components) and power sources for
operating the automatic sampling system. The one or more
microprocessors may control a variety of functions, including, but
not limited to, control of a sampling device, a sensing device,
aspects of the measurement cycle (for example, timing of sampling
and sensing, and alternating polarity between electrodes),
connectivity, computational methods, different aspects of data
manipulation (for example, acquisition, recording, recalling,
comparing, and reporting), etc.
[0090] The third aspect of the system is an intelligent
data-processing algorithm that coverts the raw biosensor signals to
glucose readings while safeguarding against erroneous results
through data point screening routines. The raw current data
obtained from the biosensors must be converted into an equivalent
blood glucose value. Equations to perform this data conversion have
been developed, optimized, and validated on a large data set
consisting of GlucoWatch biographer and reference blood glucose
readings from clinical trials on diabetic subjects (see, for
example, WO 018289A1, published 6 Apr. 2000). This data conversion
algorithm is programmed into a dedicated microprocessor in the
GlucoWatch biographer system. The software also contains screens to
exclude spurious data points that do not conform to objective, a
priori criteria (e.g., data which contain noise above a certain
threshold). Exemplary signal processing applications include, but
are not limited to, those taught in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,144,869, 6,233,471, 6,180,416, herein incorporated by
reference.
[0091] In addition to the two glucose biosensors, the GlucoWatch
biographer system also contains a temperature sensor and a skin
conductivity sensor. Input from the former is used to exclude data
points obtained during large thermal excursions. The skin
conductivity input is used to exclude data obtained when the
subject is perspiring profusely, as sweat contains glucose which
may confound the value obtained for the extracted sample. Hence,
these various screens reject data points that may provide false
glucose information. The remaining data points are then suitable
for clinical use.
[0092] The GlucoWatch biographer system is housed in a plastic case
held in place, typically on the arm, with a wrist band. A single
AAA battery is used as the primary power source with an additional
back-up battery. The GlucoWatch biographer circuitry includes a
microprocessor and a custom application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC) chip containing the circuitry to run both the iontophoresis
and biosensor functions. There is sufficient memory to store up to
4000 glucose readings which represents approximately three months
of data with daily use. An LCD display and four push buttons on the
face of the GlucoWatch biographer system comprise the user
interface, and allow the user to control and customize the
functions of the monitor as well as to display clock time and date,
glucose readings, and GlucoWatch biographer operation status. Data
can also be downloaded to a PC via a serial interface adapter.
[0093] Included in the software control is the ability for the user
to select high and low glucose alert levels. If the GlucoWatch
biographer system measures a glucose value outside of these alert
levels, an alarm sounds to notify the user of the situation.
[0094] The disposable portion of the GlucoWatch biographer system
is the AutoSensor, which contains the two sets of biosensor and
iontophoresis electrodes and the corresponding hydrogel discs
housed held in a pre-aligned arrangement by a mask layer. The
AutoSensor snaps into the skin-side of the GlucoWatch biographer
system to make the necessary electrical connections between the two
portions.
[0095] The GlucoWatch biographer system also contains a thermistor
to measure skin temperature, and a set of conductivity probes which
rest on the surface of the skin to measure skin conductivity, a
measure of perspiration. As described above, the temperature and
sweat data are used in the present device to ensure that the
biosensor data has not been affected by large temperature
excursions or perspiration during the reading period.
[0096] In another embodiment of a monitoring system, the
sampling/sensing mechanism and user interface may be found on
separate components (e.g., WO 00/47109, published 17 Aug. 2000).
Thus, the monitoring system can comprise at least two components,
in which a first component comprises sampling mechanism and sensing
mechanism that are used to extract and detect an analyte, for
example, glucose, and a second component that receives the analyte
data from the first component, conducts data processing on the
analyte data to determine an analyte concentration and then
displays the analyte concentration data. Typically, microprocessor
functions (e.g., control of a sampling device, a sensing device,
aspects of the measurement cycle, computational methods, different
aspects of data manipulation or recording, etc.) are found in both
components. Alternatively, microprocessing components may be
located in one or the other of the at least two components. The
second component of the monitoring system can assume many forms,
including, but not limited to, the following: a watch, a credit
card-shaped device (e.g., a "smart card" or "universal card" having
a built-in microprocessor as described for example in U.S. Pat. No.
5,892,661, herein incorporated by reference), a pager-like device,
cell phone-like device, or other such device that communicates
information to the user visually, audibly, or kinesthetically.
[0097] Further, additional components may be added to the system,
for example, a third component comprising a display of analyte
values or an alarm related to analyte concentration, may be
employed. In certain embodiments, a delivery unit is included in
the system. An exemplary delivery unit is an insulin delivery unit.
Insulin delivery units, both implantable and external, are known in
the art and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Numbers 5,995,860;
5,112,614 and 5,062,841, herein incorporated by reference.
Preferably, when included as a component of the present invention,
the delivery unit is in communication (e.g., wire-like or wireless
communication) with the extracting and/or sensing mechanism such
that the sensing mechanism can control the insulin pump and
regulate delivery of a suitable amount of insulin to the
subject.
[0098] Advantages of separating the first component (e.g.,
including the biosensor and iontophoresis functions) from the
second component (e.g., including some microprocessor and display
functions) include greater flexibility, discretion, privacy and
convenience to the user. Having a small and lightweight measurement
unit allows placement of the two components of the system on a
wider range of body sites, for example, the first component may be
placed on the abdomen or upper arm. This wider range of placement
options may improve the accuracy through optimal extraction site
selection (e.g., torso rather than extremities) and greater
temperature stability (e.g., via the insulating effects of
clothing). Thus, the collection and sensing assembly will be able
to be placed on a greater range of body sites. Similarly, a smaller
and less obtrusive microprocessor and display unit (the second
component) provides a convenient and discrete system by which to
monitor analytes. The biosensor readouts and control signals will
be relayed via wire-like or wireless technology between the
collection and sensing assembly and the display unit which could
take the form of a small watch, a pager, or a credit card-sized
device. This system also provides the ability to relay an alert
message or signal during nighttime use, for example, to a site
remote from the subject being monitored.
[0099] In one embodiment, the two components of the device can be
in operative communication via a wire or cable-like connection.
Operative communications between the components can be wireless
link, i.e. provided by a "virtual cable," for example, a telemetry
link. This wireless link can be uni- or bi-directional between the
two components. In the case of more than two components, links can
be a combination of wire-like and wireless.
[0100] 2.3 Monitoring of Gulcose Levels
[0101] To evaluate the usefulness of the GlucoWatch biographer
system in the monitoring of glucose levels, more than 90 subjects
with diabetes were enrolled at three clinical sites around the
United States. Subjects wore a GlucoWatch biographer system on
their wrist for 15 hours while in a clinical setting. Subjects
entered the clinic early in the morning in a fasted state. The
GlucoWatch biographer system was applied and a "warm-up" procedure
of 175 minutes was initiated. At the end of the warm-up period, the
subjects took a single finger-stick blood glucose measurement which
they used to calibrate the GlucoWatch biographer readings. From
that point on, the GlucoWatch biographer system took three
measurements per hour for the remainder of the study. All data were
stored internally (i.e., in the biographer's memory). In addition,
two standard blood measurements were obtained at 0 and 40 minutes
during each hour. Thus, there were as many as 36 Gluco Watch
biographer data points and 24 matching blood data points obtained
from each subject.
[0102] The GlucoWatch biographer readings and blood data were then
transferred into a computer for algorithm development and
subsequent data analysis. The data were randomly divided into two
groups. The data from one part of the data set (46 GlucoWatch
biographer systems) were used to "train" the algorithm (the
Mixtures of Experts algorithm, see, for example, WO 018289A1,
published 6 Apr. 2000), that is, to determine the optimal
functional form and parameter set needed to minimize the error
between the GlucoWatch biographer system-predicted glucose values
and blood glucose values. The optimized algorithm was then used to
predict the GlucoWatch biographer system values for all subsequent
data. This "out of sample" prediction technique diminished bias and
demonstrated the universal nature of the algorithm. Data from one
individual is shown in FIG. 2.
[0103] The result of this analysis for the 109 GlucoWatch
biographer systems in the "out of sample" test group showed a
time-delay of about 15 minutes between the extracted glucose
relative to the blood glucose. Using the paired GlucoWatch
biographer measurement-blood measurement data, an average
correlation coefficient of 0.88 was obtained, and 97% of the
results fell in the clinically acceptable regions of the Clarke
Error Grid Analysis (Clarke, W. L., et al., Diabetes Care
10:622-628 (1987)). In addition, the mean absolute error was 15.6%.
Less than 8% of the data were removed by the "temperature", "sweat"
and "noise" data integrity screens. These and other statistical
analyses suggested that the GlucoWatch biographer system is
comparable to commercially available blood monitoring devices over
a broad range of values (40 to 400 mg/dL in these studies).
[0104] The clinical results cited above clearly demonstrate that
the GlucoWatch biographer system tracks glucose in human subjects
with diabetes.
[0105] 2.4 Temperature and Perspiration as Indicators of
Hypoglycemia
[0106] Preliminary tests of the correlation between skin
temperature and skin conductivity, and hypoglycemic blood glucose
levels were performed on data from one clinical trial. Temperature
and perspiration data from the GlucoWatch biographer system were
analyzed for a total of 213 GlucoWatch biographer system
applications on 121 diabetic subjects. This data set consists of
the temperature, perspiration measurement and reference blood
glucose value for 5346 GlucoWatch biographer measurement cycles.
For this trial, the subjects were tested in a clinical setting, but
were allowed general freedoms simulating a home environment.
[0107] In order to determine whether a correlation existed between
skin temperature and perspiration, and hypoglycemia, the data were
sorted into reference blood glucose range bins from <40 mg/dL to
240 mg/dL. The minimum skin temperature for each measurement cycle
in each bin was averaged and plotted in FIG. 3. As can be seen from
the results presented in the figure, the skin temperature as
measured by the GlucoWatch biographer system is lower than average
when the reference blood glucose is lower than 120 mg/dL, and is
lowest when the blood glucose is in the lowest hypoglycemic range.
This preliminary result demonstrated a correlation between lower
average skin temperature and hypoglycemic blood glucose levels.
[0108] Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, one of
the parameters that may be used for the prediction of a
hypoglycemic event is a below average skin temperature. Ideally, an
average skin temperature is determined for each subject by
collecting a skin temperature reading data set over an extended
period of time (e.g., days, weeks, or months). An associated
standard deviation and/or average variation may be associated with
the average skin temperature using standard statistical methods
applied to the skin temperature reading data set. The average
temperature may also be associated with the time of day, for
example, the day broken down into 1-8 hour increments (including
all time values in the range, e.g., 2.5 hours) in order to account
for normal skin temperature variations associated, for example,
with a mid-day time period and a sleep time period. Such
associations may be established employing standard statistical
manipulations, such as trend analysis or multivariate analysis of
variance. Further, using trend analysis or the TSES equation
described herein, based on a series of skin temperature readings, a
skin temperature reading at a future time point could be predicted
or extrapolated. In one aspect of the present invention, the skin
temperature reading parameter, when below average body temperature
for the subject, is an indicator of a possible hypoglycemic event.
As noted above, a standard deviation (and/or variance) may be
associated with the average body temperature of the subject to
provide a reference range. When the body temperature of the subject
falls below such a reference range (taking into account statistical
variation, such as standard deviation), that is an indicator of a
possible hypoglycemic event. For example, for the cumulative data
presented in FIG. 3, such a reference range may be 31.degree.
C..+-.0.05.degree. C. (or more generally stated, average body
temperature of the subject plus/minus the standard deviation or
variance associated with the average body temperature). Confidence
intervals may also be used to establish such ranges.
[0109] Similarly, if a decreasing body temperature trend is
detected (for example, using a regression analysis or other trend
analysis) such a trend of decreasing body temperature may be used
as an indicator of a hypoglycemic event.
[0110] In another aspect, fluctuations of body temperature may be
used as an indicator of a hypoglycemic event: for example, such
fluctuations may be determined relative to a reference range.
[0111] The data from the skin conductivity sensor on the GlucoWatch
biographer system was plotted in a similar manner. The GlucoWatch
biographer skin conductivity measurement was converted to an
arbitrary scale from 0-10. For data integrity screening purposes,
skin conductivity readings above 1 were considered an indication of
perspiration occuring. FIG. 4 shows the average skin conductivity
reading for all the measurement cycles within each reference blood
glucose range. The trend was relatively flat over the euglycemic
and hyperglycemic ranges with the three highest averages occuring
in the <40 mg/dL, 40-59 mg/dL, and 60-79 mg/dL ranges in the
hypoglycemic region, indicating a higher degree of perspiration in
the hypoglycemic region.
[0112] The data shown in FIG. 4 was presented in a different manner
by taking the percentage of all readings with skin conductivity
readings greater than one (therefore, above the a priori determined
perspiration threshold) and plotting them with reference to the
same reference blood glucose ranges (see FIG. 5). The data
presented in FIG. 5 showed pronounced increase in the percentage of
positive perspiration indications in the hypoglycemic regions below
60 mg/dL.
[0113] Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, one of
the parameters that may be used for the prediction of a
hypoglycemic event is an above or below average sweat sensor
reading (i.e., skin conductance). In one embodiment of the present
invention, skin conductance above a predetermined perspiration
threshold (or range) is a predictor of a hypoglycemic event (see,
for example, reference data in FIGS. 4 and 5). Ideally an average
skin conductance reading is determined for each subject by
collecting a skin conductance reading data set over an extended
period of time (e.g., days, weeks, or months). An associated
standard deviation and/or average variation may be associated with
the average skin conductance using standard statistical methods
applied to the skin conductance reading data set. The average skin
conductance may also be associated with the time of day; for
example, the day broken down into 1-8 hour increments (including
all time values in the range, e.g., 2.5 hours) in order to account
for normal skin conductance variations associated, for example,
with a mid-day time interval and a sleep interval. Such
associations may be established employing standard statistical
manipulations, such as trend analysis or multivariate analysis of
variance. Further, using trend analysis or the TSES equation
described herein, based on a series of skin conductance readings, a
skin temperature reading at a future time point could be predicted
or extrapolated. In one aspect of the present invention, the skin
conductance reading parameter, when above or below average skin
conductance for the subject, is an indicator of a possible
hypoglycemic event. As noted above, a standard deviation (and/or
variance) may be associated with the average skin conductance of
the subject to provide a reference range. When the skin conductance
of the subject falls outside of such a reference range (taking into
account statistical variation, such as standard deviation), that is
an indicator of a possible hypoglycemic event. For example, for the
cumulative data presented in FIG. 4, such a reference range may a
skin conductance reading of 0.15.+-.0.025 average sweat sensor
reading (or more generally stated, average skin conductance of the
subject plus/minus the standard deviation or variance associated
with the average skin conductance). Confidence intervals may also
be used to establish such ranges.
[0114] Similarly, if an increasing or decreasing skin conductance
trend is detected (for example, using a regression analysis or
other trend analysis) such a trend of increasing or decreasing skin
conductance may be used as an indicator of a hypoglycemic
event.
[0115] In another aspect, fluctuations of skin conductance may be
used as an indicator of a hypoglycemic event: for example, such
fluctuation can be determined relative to a reference range.
[0116] Body temperature (or body temperature trends) and/or skin
conductance (or skin conductance trends) can be used together or
singly as parameters useful for the prediction of a hypoglycemic
event. Typically, use of such a parameter is coupled with the time
series forecasting method described below.
[0117] Threshold values (or ranges of values) for selected
parameters may be employed in the prediction of hypoglycemic
events. Such threshold values can be established, for example,
based on review and analysis of a record of the subject's glucose
values, body temperature and skin conductance. A statistical
program can be used to provide correlations between known
hypoglycemic events (from the subject's record, which is created
using a glucose monitoring device capable of providing frequent
glucose, temperature, and skin conductance readings) and the
selected parameters. Such statistical programs are known in the art
and include, for example, decision tree and ROC analysis (see
below).
[0118] 2.5 Time Seried Forecasting
[0119] Time-series forecasting, the prediction of future values of
a variable from past observations, is a procedure used for
extrapolation of data series. There are a number of methods that
may be used for time-series forecasting, -including, but not
limited to, the following: extrapolation of linear or polynomial
regression, autoregressive moving average, and exponential
smoothing.
[0120] A method for time-series forecasting, called Taylor Series
Exponential Smoothing (TSES) has been developed and was disclosed
in co-owned, co-pending WO 99/58973, published 18 Nov. 1999. In one
embodiment, this method utilized the data points from the previous
60 minutes, as well as the associated first and second derivative
values to predict the value of the next data point. The method of
exponential smoothing calculates the predicted value of a variable
y at time n+1 as a function of that variable at the current time n,
as well as at two previous times n-1 and n-2. The equation that is
typically used for the case of evenly spaced time points is shown
as equation (1) below.
y.sub.n+1=.beta.y.sub.n+.beta.(1-.beta.)y.sub.n-1+.beta.(1-.beta.).sup.2y.-
sub.n-2 (1)
[0121] In this equation, .beta. is an empirical parameter obtained
from experimental data which is typically between 0 and 1.
[0122] An improvement to equation (1) is as follows: First, there
is a resemblance between equation 1 and a Taylor Series expansion,
shown as equation (2). 4 f ( x ) = f ( a ) + f ' ( a ) ( x - a ) +
f " ( a ) ( x - a ) 2 2 ! + + f ( n - 1 ) ( a ) ( x - a ) ( n - 1 )
( n - 1 ) ! ( 2 )
[0123] Accordingly, the variable Y.sub.n-1 was replaced by y'.sub.n
(the first derivative at y.sub.n with respect to time) and
Y.sub.n-2 was replaced by 5 y n " 2
[0124] (the second derivative at y.sub.n with respect to time) to
give equation (3), 6 y n + 1 = y n + ( 1 - ) y n ' + ( 1 - ) 2 2 y
n " ( 3 )
[0125] where the derivatives are calculated by the following two
equations: 7 y n ' = y n - y n - 1 t ( 4 ) y n " = y n - 2 y n - 1
+ y n - 2 t ( 5 )
[0126] and .DELTA.t is the equally spaced time interval.
[0127] The analogy between equation (3) and the Taylor Series,
equation (2), can be further improved by dividing the right hand
side of equation (3) by .beta. to give equation (6) where the
definition .alpha.=1-.beta. is used. 8 y n + 1 = y n + y n ' + 2 2
y n " ( 6 )
[0128] Substituting equations (4) and (5) into equation (6), gives
the final expression of the Taylor Series Exponential Smoothing
(TSES) equation as: 9 y n + 1 = y n + ( y n - y n - 1 ) + 2 2 ( y n
- 2 y n - 1 + y n - 2 ) ( 7 )
[0129] The TSES equation is essentially an exponentially smoothed
moving average Taylor series expansion using the first two terms of
the Taylor series. This technique may be adapted to work with the
measurements produced by the GlucoWatch biographer system to
predict glucose levels at least one measurement cycle ahead (WO
99/58973, published 18 Nov. 1999, herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety).
[0130] 2.6 Improved Prediction of Hypoglycemic Events
[0131] The present invention comprises methods for the improved
ability to predict hypoglycemia which include a two-fold approach.
First, additional physiological data, namely skin temperature and
skin conductivity, are used in combination with frequent glucose
value readings (obtained, for example, using the GlucoWatch
biographer system) to produce a more robust prediction algorithm
than may be achieved by using any of the variables alone. Second, a
time-series forecasting technique is used in conjunction with a
data stream comprising frequent glucose measurements (obtained, for
example, using the GlucoWatch biographer system) to predict future
glucose levels and provide an early warning of incipient
hypoglycemic events. The synergy of these two different approaches
provides an improved ability to predict hypoglycemia events.
[0132] 2.7 Incorporation of Sweat and Temperature Measurements into
a Hypoglycemia Prediction Algorithm
[0133] A data set consisting of approximately 16,000 pairs of
GlucoWatch biographer data and reference blood glucose values for
approximately 450 diabetic patients has been generated in support
of the present invention. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics with a
wide variety of demographic backgrounds are represented in this
data set. The data set may be used as a test bed for developing and
refining the incorporation of the skin temperature and conductivity
readings into a hypoglycemia predictive algorithm. The data set is
sufficiently large to enable a hypoglycemia predictive algorithm to
be trained on a randomized subset of data, and tested on a separate
"out of sample" subset. Using this set of raw data, GlucoWatch
biographer system outputs can be produced using an emulator program
which completely mimics the device operation. The skin temperature
and conductivity readings are incorporated into a hypoglycemia
alert function in the emulator, and the simulated results (glucose
readings, occurrence of hypoglycemia alert soundings, etc.) are
recorded and predictive efficacy evaluated.
[0134] A number of different functions are evaluated for their
ability to correctly predict hypoglycemia using the skin
temperature, skin conductivity, and glucose data. The preliminary
data presented in FIGS. 3-5 and described above represent the
simplest of these functions, that is, use of the discrete data
points at each GlucoWatch biographer measurement cycle. More
complex algorithms may utilize, for example, variation of the
temperature and conductivity parameters from a sliding average
baseline value, monitoring of trends in these parameters, or more
complex neural network approaches.
[0135] Numerous suitable estimation techniques useful in the
practice of the invention are known in the art. These techniques
may be used to provide correlation. factors (e.g., constants),
which correlation factors are then used in a mathematical
transformation to obtain a measurement value indicative of a
hypoglycemic event. In particular embodiments, the hypoglycemic
predictive algorithm may apply mathematical, statistical and/or
pattern recognition techniques to the problem of signal processing
in chemical analyses, for example, using neural networks, genetic
algorithm signal processing, linear regression, multiple-linear
regression, principal components analysis of statistical (test)
measurements, decision trees, or combinations thereof. The
structure of a particular neural network algorithm used in the
practice of the invention may vary widely; however, the network
may, for example, contain an input layer, one or more hidden
layers, and one output layer. Such networks can be trained on a
test data set, and then applied to a population. There are many
suitable network types, transfer fuinctions, training criteria,
testing and application methods which will occur to the ordinarily
skilled artisan upon reading the instant specification. One such
evaluation method is a Mixtures of Experts algorithm (see, for
example, WO 018289A1, published 6 Apr. 2000; U.S. Pat. No.
6,180,416, issued 30 Jan. 2001, herein incorporated by reference in
its entirety). In a Mixtures of Experts algorithm, skin conductance
and/or body temperatures can be included as parameters to provide
more accurate prediction of blood glucose and, in particular, more
accurate prediction of potential hypoglycemic events.
[0136] One method to evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed
hypoglycemia alert function examines each set of paired GlucoWatch
biographer/reference blood points to determine whether the
hypoglycemia alert function correctly predicted the presence or
absence of hypoglycemia. The number of false positives (prediction
of hypoglycemia when none existed) or false negatives (missing
hypoglycemia when it did exist) is tabulated and used to calculate
the sensitivity and specificity of the alert function.
[0137] A second analysis anticipates that each hypoglycemic episode
can be predicted by several readings in the continual data stream
of the GlucoWatch biographer system. For such an analysis, the
number of hypoglycemic events predicted (and not predicted) by the
hypoglycemia alert function of GlucoWatch biographer system is
tabulated and used to calculate the predictive value of the
hypoglycemia alert function. Using such approaches the hypoglycemia
alert function is optimized on a pre-existing data set and is then
tested in clinical trials on diabetic patients.
[0138] Accordingly, the incorporation of data from the sweat and
temperature probes into the glucose-level prediction algorithm is
tested using the existing clinical database. Optimization of the
algorithm parameters is performed to minimize error in the glucose
readings and maximize the accuracy of the hypoglycemia alarm
function.
[0139] 2.8 Time-Series Forecasting Algorithm
[0140] The GlucoWatch biographer system's ability to acquire
glucose data on a frequent basis creates a large database
heretofore unavailable to a patient or clinician. The time-series
forecasting algorithm described above uses a series of closely
spaced glucose readings to "forecast" a future reading. This
algorithm provides an early warning of incipient hypoglycemic
events, the most serious acute complication for diabetics.
[0141] An adaptive neural network technology may be combined with
this time forecasting concept to provide a system that is
customized to an individual patient's physiology. This process
involves training the neural network with a sufficient number of
paired monitor and reference blood glucose values from a given
patient. In this way, the neural network "learns" the patterns in
an individual's blood glucose changes. This approach reduces error
in the prediction of hypoglycemia events.
[0142] Optimization of forecasting algorithms is carried out using
the "data mining" approach essentially as described above to
investigate the skin temperature-conductivity data. The time-series
forecasting algorithms are trained and tested on the data set of
GlucoWatch biographer system values and corresponding blood glucose
reference values obtained during clinical trials and described
above. Various statistical measures of accuracy are used to
evaluate and optimize forecasting algorithms including difference
statistics (mean error, mean relative error, mean absolute error),
RMS error, and the Clarke Error Grid Analysis. The optimized
forecasting algorithm is then prospectively tested in clinical
trials essentially as follows.
[0143] Initial clinical trials are conducted with non-diabetic
volunteers in order to verify that the modified GlucoWatch
biographer systems function properly. Such trials also provide an
early assessment of the capabilities of the hypoglycemia alert
function. The clinical protocol is essentially performed as
follows. A 100 gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) has
historically predicted device performance in a population of
subjects with diabetes. In addition, following OGTT, after the
glucose peak, non-diabetic subjects can achieve blood glucose
levels as low as 50-70 mg/dL from endogenous insulin production,
thus providing data to test the prediction of hypoglycemia.
Moreover, since one subject may wear multiple GlucoWatch biographer
systems, meaningful data may be obtained with as few as 10
subjects.
[0144] Following trials with non-diabetic subjects, the modified
GlucoWatch biographer system comprising an improved hypoglycemic
alert function is tested on subjects with diabetes. Typically,
results from a minimum of 20 subjects over at least five
consecutive days are used to generate data sufficient to develop
and optimize the algorithms. The demographic profile of the
subjects included in these clinical trials is diverse, as it is
beneficial to investigate performance on as wide a demographic
sample as possible. These trials typically study subjects with both
Type 1 and Type 2 in relatively equal numbers. Male and female
subjects are represented fairly evenly. The subject population has
a wide range of ages. The ethnic background of a typical large
clinical trial is shown below in Table I as an example where 120 of
the subjects are female and 111 were male. Typically the test
population comprises subjects 18 years or older.
1TABLE 1 American Indian or Asian or Black, not of White, not of
Alaskan Pacific Hispanic Hispanic Other or Native Islander Origin
Hispanic Origin Unknown Total 1 1 24 36 166 3 231
[0145] The general design of the study day is as follows. The
subjects arrive at the clinic in the morning having fasted from
midnight the night before, and having not taken their morning
insulin injection. Two GlucoWatch biographer systems are applied to
the subject's arm, synchronized with clock time, and started. Over
the course of the study (approximately 15 hours), capillary blood
samples are obtained twice per hour, and measured with a reference
method for comparison with the GlucoWatch biographer measurements.
During the course of the measurement period, insulin dosing is
adjusted by the investigator to achieve mildly hypoglycemic and
hyperglycemic glucose levels. The targeted blood glucose range is
40-450 mg/dL. At the end of the 15 hour study, the GlucoWatch
biographer systems are removed by laboratory personnel.
[0146] The data collected from each patient consists of demographic
information, medical screening data, reference blood glucose
measurements, and GlucoWatch biographer system measurements. These
data are used for the purposes of evaluating the hypoglycemic
prediction algorithm.
[0147] Accordingly, the optimum time-series algorithm model and
variables to be used in the model are determined by "training" and
testing on a large database of clinical GlucoWatch biographer
system data. The algorithm is optimized to minimize error in the
glucose readings and maximize the accuracy of the hypoglycemia
alarm function. This optimized time-series prediction model is
combined with one or more predictions of hypoglycemic events, e.g.,
using a sweat and temperature probe based predictive algorithm, as
described above. The hypoglycemic predictive approach described
herein utilizes information obtained from a data stream, e.g.,
frequently obtained glucose values, skin conductance or temperature
readings, generated by a frequent sampling glucose monitoring
device, e.g., the GlucoWatch biographer system, coupled with a
time-series forecasting approach, to predict incipient hypoglycemic
events and to alert the user.
[0148] One or more microprocessors may be used to coordinate the
functions of the sampling device, sensing device, and predictive
algorithms. Such a microprocessor generally uses a series of
program sequences to control the operations of the sampling device,
which program sequences can be stored in the microprocessor's read
only memory (ROM). Embedded software (firmware) controls activation
of measurement and display operations, calibration of analyte
readings, setting and display of high and low analyte value alarms,
display and setting of time and date functions, alarm time, and
display of stored readings. Sensor signals obtained from the sensor
electrodes can be processed before storage and display by one or
more signal processing functions or algorithms which are stored in
the embedded software. The microprocessor can also include an
electronically erasable, programmable, read only memory (EEPROM)
for storing calibration parameters, user settings and all
downloadable sequences. A serial communications port may be used
to, for example, allow the monitoring device to communicate with
associated electronics, for example, wherein the device is used in
a feedback control application to control a pump for delivery of a
medicament such as insulin (using, e.g., an insulin pump).
[0149] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a
method for predicting a hypoglycemic event in a subject. Typically,
a threshold glucose value or range of glucose values is determined
that corresponds to a hypoglycemic event. Symptom producing low
plasma glucose levels vary in individuals and in different
physiological states. Abnormally low plasma glucose is usually
defined as less than or equal to about 50 mg/dL in men, about 45
mg/dL in women, and about 40 mg/dL in infants and children. The
methods of the present invention for prediction of a hypoglycemic
event are, generally, to avoid glucose levels dropping to such low
levels in the subject. Accordingly, a threshold for a glucose
measurement value indicative of a hypoglycemic event may be set
higher (e.g., between about 80 to about 100 mg/dL) in order to give
the subject more time to respond and prevent glucose levels from
dropping into the hypoglycemic range. Further, at least one
threshold parameter value (or range of values) that is correlated
with a hypoglycemic event is also determined, for example where the
parameter is skin conductance reading or body temperature
reading.
[0150] A series of glucose measurement values at selected time
intervals is obtained using a selected glucose sampling system (for
example, the GlucoWatch biographer). Using the series of
measurements, typically a series of at least three glucose
measurement values, a glucose measurement value at a further time
interval (e.g., n+1, where the last glucose measurement value of
the series was n) subsequent to the series of measurement values is
predicted. This predicted glucose measurement value can be
obtained, for example, using the time series forecasting method
described above. Other predictive algorithms may be used as
well.
[0151] In addition, another parameter value or trend of parameter
values is measured concurrently, simultaneously, or sequentially
with the obtaining of the series of glucose measurement values.
Skin conductance and body temperature are two preferred parameters.
Either the parameter value (for example at time point n, or a
predicted value for the parameter at a later time point, for
example, n+1) or trend of parameter values are compared with a
threshold parameter value (or range of values) to determine whether
the measured parameter value or trend of parameter values is
suggestive of a hypoglycemic event. A hypoglycemic event is
predicted for the subject when both (i) comparing the predicted
glucose measurement value to the threshold glucose value indicates
a hypoglycemic event at time interval n+1, and (ii) comparing said
parameter with said threshold parameter value indicates a
hypoglycemic at time interval n or n+1. Typically one or more
microprocessors are programmed to control data acquisition (e.g.,
the glucose measurement cycle and obtaining of skin conductance
and/or body temperature readings) by being programmed to control
devices capable of collecting the required data points. The one or
more microprocessors also typically comprise programming for
algorithms to control the various predictive and comparative
methods.
[0152] 2.9 Prediction of Hypoglycemic Events Using a Decision Tree
Model
[0153] In one aspect of the present invention, the method for
prediction of hypoglycemic events employs a decision tree (also
called classification tree) which utilizes a hierarchical
evaluation of thresholds (see, for example, J. J. Oliver, et. al,
in Proceedings of the 5th Australian Joint Conference on Artificial
Intelligence, pages 361-367, A. Adams and L. Sterling, editors,
World Scientific, Singapore, 1992; D. J. Hand, et al., Pattern
Recognition, 31(5):641-650, 1998; J. J. Oliver and D. J. Hand,
Journal of Classification, 13:281-297, 1996; W. Buntine, Statistics
and Computing, 2:63-73, 1992; L. Breiman, et al., "Classification
and Regression Trees" Wadsworth, Belmont, Calif., 1984; C4.5:
Programs for Machine Learning, J. Ross Quinlan, The Morgan Kaufmann
Series in Machine Learning, Pat Langley, Series Editor, October
1992, ISBN 1-55860-238-0). Commercial software for structuring and
execution of decision trees is available (e.g., CART (5), Salford
Systems, San Diego, Calif.; C4.5 (6), RuleQuest Research Pty Ltd.,
St Ives NSW Australia; and Dgraph (1,3), Jon Oliver, Cygnus,
Redwood City, Calif.) and may be used in the methods of the present
invention in view of the teachings of the present specification. A
simple version of such a decision tree is to choose a threshold
current glucose value reading, a threshold body temperature value,
and a threshold skin conductance (sweat) value. If a current (or
predicted) glucose value reading is equal to or below the threshold
glucose value, then the body temperature is evaluated. If the body
temperature is below the threshold body temperature value, then
skin conductance is evaluated. If skin conductance is greater than
the threshold skin conductance value, then a hypoglycemic event is
predicted.
[0154] For example, a first level decision is made by the algorithm
based on the most recent glucose value obtained by the monitoring
device compared to initial thresholds that may indicate a
hypoglycemic event. For example, the algorithm may compare the
current blood glucose value (time=n) or a predicted glucose value
(time=n+1) to a threshold value (e.g., 100 mg/dL). If the glucose
value is greater than the threshold value then a decision is made
by the algorithm to continue monitoring. If the glucose level is
less than or equal to the threshold glucose level then the
algorithm continues with the next level of the decision tree.
[0155] The next level of the decision tree may be an evaluation of
the subject's body temperature reading at time (n), which is
compared to a threshold body temperature. For example, if the body
temperature is greater than the threshold body temperature (e.g.,
33.95.degree. C. ) then a decision is made by the algorithm to
continue monitoring. If the body temperature is less than or equal
to the threshold the threshold body temperature (e.g.,
33.95.degree. C.) then the algorithm continues with the next level
of the decision tree.
[0156] The next level of the decision tree may be an evaluation of
the subject's skin conductance reading at time (n), which is
compared to a threshold skin conductance. For example, if the skin
conductance (i.e., sweat reading) is less than the threshold skin
conductance (e.g., 0.137 sweat sensor reading) then a decision is
made by the algorithm to continue monitoring. If the skin
conductance is greater than or equal to the threshold skin
conductance then the algorithm predicts a hypoglycemic event.
[0157] The decision tree could be further elaborated by adding
further levels. For example, after a determination that a
hypoglycemic event is possible the next glucose level can be
evaluated to see if it is above or below the threshold value. Both
body temperature and skin conductance could be tested as above once
again to confirm the prediction of a hypoglycemic event.
[0158] The most important attribute is typically placed at the root
of the decision tree. In one embodiment of the present invention
the root attribute is the current glucose reading. In another
embodiment, a predicted glucose reading at a future time point may
be the root attribute. Alternatively, body temperature or skin
conductance could be used as the root attribute.
[0159] Further, thresholds need not be established a priori. The
algorithm can learn from a database record of an individual
subject's glucose readings, body temperature, and skin conductance.
The algorithm can train itself to establish threshold values based
on the data in the database record using, for example, a decision
tree algorithm.
[0160] Further, a decision tree may be more complicated than the
simple scenario described above. For example, if skin conductance
(i.e., sweat) is very high the algorithm may set a first threshold
for the body temperature which is higher than normal, if the skin
conductance reading is medium, the algorithm might set a relatively
lower body temperature threshold, etc.
[0161] By selecting parameters (e.g., current or future glucose
reading, body temperature, skin conductance) and allowing the
algorithm to train itself based on a database record of these
parameters for an individual subject, the algorithm can evaluate
each parameter as independent or combined predictors of
hypoglycemia. Thus, the hypoglycemia prediction model is being
trained and the algorithm determines what parameters are the most
important indicators. A decision tree may be learnt in an automated
way from data using an algorithm such as a recursive partitioning
algorithm. The recursive partitioning algorithm grows a tree by
starting with all the training examples in the root node. The root
node may be "split," for example, using a three-step process as
follows. (1) The root node may be split on all the attributes
available, at all the thresholds available (e.g., in a training
database). To each considered split a criteria is applied (such as,
GIM index, entropy of the data, or message length of the data). (2)
An attribute (A) and a threshold (T) are selected which optimize
the criteria. This results in a decision tree with one split node
and two leaves. (3) Each example in the training database is
associated with one of these two leaves (based on the measurements
of the training example). Each leaf node is then recursively split
using the three-step process. Splitting is continued until a
stopping criteria is applied. An example of a stopping criteria is
if a node has less than 50 examples from the training database that
are associated with it.
[0162] In a further embodiment, at each level of the decision in
the decision tree, the algorithm software can associate a
probability with the decision. The probabilities at each level of
decision can be evaluated (e.g., summed) and the cumulative
probability can be used to determine whether to set off an alarm
indicating a hypoglycemic event.
[0163] Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis can
be applied to decision tree analysis described above ROC analysis
is another threshold optimization means. It provides a way to
determine the optimal true positive fraction, while minimizing the
false positive fraction. A ROC analysis can be used to compare two
classification schemes, and determine which scheme is a better
overall predictor of the selected event (e.g., a hypoglycemic
event); for example, a ROC analysis can be used to compare a simple
threshold classifier with a decision tree. ROC software packages
typically include procedures for the following: correlated,
continuously distributed as well as inherently categorical rating
scale data; statistical comparison between two binormal ROC curves;
maximum likelihood estimation of binormal ROC curves from set of
continuous as well as categorical data; and analysis of statistical
power for comparison of ROC curves. Commercial software for
structuring and execution of ROC is available (e.g., Analyse It for
Microsoft Excel, Analyse-It Software, Ltd., Leeds LS125XA, England,
UK; MedCalc.RTM., MedCalc Software, Mariakerke, Belgium; AccuROC,
Accumetric Corporation, Montreal, Quebec, Calif.).
[0164] Related techniques that can be applied to the above analyses
include, but are not limited to, Decision Graphs, Decision Rules
(also called Rules Induction), Discriminant Analysis (including
Stepwise Discriminant Analysis), Logistic Regression, Nearest
Neighbor Classification, Neural Networks, and Nave Bayes
Classifier.
[0165] Although preferred embodiments of the subject invention have
been described in some detail, it is understood that obvious
variations can be made without departing from the spirit and the
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *