U.S. patent application number 12/622194 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for blood glucose tracking apparatus and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.. Invention is credited to Henrik Bacho, Fredric C. Colman, Steven Drucker, Feng Jiang, Charles T. Liamos, Kelley Lipman, Mark Lortz.
Application Number | 20100068796 12/622194 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33161845 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100068796 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drucker; Steven ; et
al. |
March 18, 2010 |
Blood Glucose Tracking Apparatus and Methods
Abstract
A measurement module for glucose testing includes a glucose
testing measurement module housing, a test strip receptacle formed
in the housing, and a connector portion formed in the housing and
shaped to permit mechanical removable attachment of the housing to
a hand-held computer. Electronics determine the amount of glucose
present in a sample of body fluid, when the test strip is
positioned in the receptacle and the body fluid is placed on a test
strip, and communicate the glucose amount to the hand-held computer
via the connector portion.
Inventors: |
Drucker; Steven; (Oakland,
CA) ; Liamos; Charles T.; (Pleasanton, CA) ;
Colman; Fredric C.; (Woodside, CA) ; Lortz; Mark;
(San Francisco, CA) ; Lipman; Kelley; (Livermore,
CA) ; Jiang; Feng; (Union City, CA) ; Bacho;
Henrik; (San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.;Bozicevic, Field & Francis LLP
1900 University Ave, Suite 200
East Palo Alto
CA
94303
US
|
Assignee: |
Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
|
Family ID: |
33161845 |
Appl. No.: |
12/622194 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11160407 |
Jun 22, 2005 |
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12622194 |
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10112671 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
7041468 |
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11160407 |
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60300011 |
Jun 20, 2001 |
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60280905 |
Apr 2, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
435/287.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 33/48792 20130101;
Y10S 435/97 20130101; A61B 2562/0295 20130101; G16H 10/60 20180101;
G16H 40/63 20180101; A61B 5/743 20130101; A61B 5/14532 20130101;
G01N 33/48778 20130101; G16H 10/40 20180101; G16H 40/67 20180101;
A61B 5/742 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/287.1 |
International
Class: |
C12M 1/34 20060101
C12M001/34 |
Claims
1-28. (canceled)
29. A hand-held analyte measurement system, comprising: a first
module; and a second module coupleable with the first module and in
communication with the first module, wherein the analyte
measurement system is configured to acquire one or more signals
indicative of an analyte concentration in a sample, and wherein the
analyte measurement system comprises one or more application
programs for analyzing the one or more signals indicative of the
analyte concentration in the sample.
30. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
the analyte measurement system comprises a test strip receptacle
configured to receive the sample.
31. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
the analyte is glucose.
32. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
coupling of the first module with the second module provides an
integrated hand held unit.
33. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 32, wherein
the first module and the second module are electrically and
mechanically coupled.
34. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 32, wherein
the first module is physically engaged with the second module.
35. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 32, wherein
the first module comprises a connector portion configured to be
received by a receptacle defined within the second module.
36. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
the first module and the second module are connected by a flexible
cable which allows for the communication between the first module
and the second module.
37. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
the analyte measurement system is configured to communicate
firmware revision data between the first and second modules.
38. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
the hand-held analyte measurement system comprises a display
positioned on the first module or the second module.
39. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 38, wherein
the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD).
40. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 38, wherein
the display comprises a touchscreen.
41. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 38, wherein
the display is configured to communicate information to a user of
the hand-held analyte measurement system which is indicative of a
physical state of the user of the hand-held analyte measurement
system.
42. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 41, wherein
the analyte is glucose, and wherein the physical state is
hyperglycemia.
43. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 41, wherein
the analyte is glucose, and wherein the physical state is
hypoglycemia.
44. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 41, wherein
the analyte is glucose, and wherein the physical state is impending
hyperglycemia.
45. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 41, wherein
the analyte is glucose, and wherein the physical state is impending
hypoglycemia.
46. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
the first or second module is selected from the group consisting of
a device comprising a PDA, a device comprising a mobile phone, and
a device comprising a combination PDA/mobile phone.
47. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
the hand-held analyte measurement system is configured for USB
connectivity.
48. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
the analyte measurement system comprises a communication unit.
49. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 48, wherein
the analyte measurement system is configured for communication with
a personal computer and/or a network.
50. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 49, wherein
the network is a computer network.
51. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 49, wherein
the communication with the personal computer and/or network is
wireless communication.
52. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 51, wherein
the wireless communication is by RF and/or IR.
53. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 49, wherein
the hand-held analyte measurement system is configured to receive
data and/or application programs from the computer and/or
network.
54. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 49, wherein
the hand-held analyte measurement system is configured to transmit
data and/or application programs to the computer and/or
network.
55. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 49, wherein
the hand-held analyte measurement system is configured for
connection with the internet.
56. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 49, wherein
the hand-held analyte measurement system is configured for
communication with a personal computer, and wherein the hand-held
analyte measurement system is configured to synchronize data in the
hand-held analyte measurement system with data in the personal
computer to produce synchronized data.
57. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 56, wherein
the synchronized data comprises time- and/or date-tagged event
data.
58. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, further
comprising diabetes management software configured to be accessed
by a health care professional.
59. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
power is supplied from the second module to the first module.
60. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 59, further
comprising an electrical isolation barrier for substantially
electrically isolating the first module from the second module.
61. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
the first module comprises an internal power source.
62. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, further
comprising a database comprising data associated with management of
a health condition, wherein the database is accessible by a user of
the hand-held analyte measurement system.
63. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 62, wherein
the data associated with the management of the health condition is
event data.
64. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 62, wherein
at least a portion of the data associated with the management of
the health condition is manually entered by the user of the analyte
measurement system.
65. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 62, wherein
the health condition is diabetes.
66. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 62, further
comprising application software configured to merge the data
associated with the management of the health condition with
additional data specific for the user of the analyte measurement
system.
67. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 62, wherein
the data associated with the management of the health condition
comprises data derived from another analyte measurement system
and/or analyte measurement device.
68. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, further
comprising a software application configured for data logging.
69. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, wherein
the hand-held analyte measurement system is configured to issue one
or more communications to a user of the hand-held analyte
measurement system.
70. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 69, wherein
the one or more communications indicate that a planned activity is
due to begin.
71. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 70, wherein
the planned activity is user entry of data associated with
management of a health condition.
72. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 71, wherein
the data associated with the management of the health condition
comprises exercise data.
73. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 71, wherein
the data associated with the management of the health condition
comprises dietary data.
74. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 73, wherein
the dietary data comprises meal-related data.
75. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 74, wherein
the meal-related data comprises meal time data.
76. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 74, wherein
the meal-related data comprises carbohydrate value.
77. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, further
comprising application software configured to store and retrieve
data associated with management of a health condition such that the
data associated with the management of the health condition is
accessible by a user of the hand-held analyte measurement
system.
78. The hand-held health monitoring device of claim 77, wherein the
application software is configured to receive and store
user-entered data associated the management of the health
condition.
79. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 78, wherein
the application software is configured to display one or more
pre-defined drop-down lists from which a user can select data
associated with the management of the health condition.
80. The hand-held health analyte measurement system of claim 77,
wherein the data associated with the management of the health
condition comprises carbohydrate data.
81. The hand-held health analyte measurement system of claim 77,
wherein the data associated with the management of the health
condition comprises exercise data.
82. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 77, wherein
the analyte measurement system comprises a food database accessible
by a user of the hand-held analyte measurement system, wherein the
food database comprises carbohydrate values for food items.
83. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 82, wherein
the food database is customizable by the user of the analyte
measurement system.
84. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 38, wherein
the display is configured to display a recommended treatment to a
user of the hand-held monitoring device.
85. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, further
comprising application software configured to determine a dosage of
medication based at least in part on the indicated analyte
concentration.
86. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 85, wherein
the medication is insulin.
87. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 29, further
comprising application software configured to determine trending of
analyte concentration based at least in part on the indicated
analyte concentration.
88. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 87, wherein
the trending provides for a rate and/or acceleration of analyte
concentration increase or decrease.
89. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 87, wherein
the hand-held analyte measurement system comprises a display
positioned on the first module or the second module, and wherein
the application software is configured to communicate with the
display such that visual indicators of analyte concentration
trending are displayed to a user of the analyte measurement
system.
90. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 40, wherein
the hand-held analyte measurement system comprises application
software configured to communicate with the display such that a
visual representation of data associated with the management of the
health condition over time is provided to a user of the hand-held
analyte measurement system.
91. The hand-held analyte measurement system of claim 40, wherein
the hand-held analyte measurement system further comprises
application software configured to communicate with the display
such that a visual representation of analyte concentration over
time is provided to a user of the hand-held analyte measurement
system.
92. A hand-held glucose measurement system, comprising: a first
module comprising a test strip receptacle configured to receive a
sample; a second module electrically and mechanically coupled to
the first module and in communication with the first module, a
wireless communication unit configured to communicate with a
personal computer and/or network, a touchscreen display positioned
on the first module or the second module; and USB connectivity
positioned on the first module or the second module; wherein the
hand-held glucose measurement system is configured to acquire one
or more signals indicative of a glucose concentration in a sample,
and wherein the hand-held glucose measurement system comprises one
or more application programs for analyzing the one or more signals
indicative of the glucose concentration in the sample and display
the glucose concentration.
93. The hand-held glucose measurement system of claim 92, wherein
the hand-held glucose measurement system is configured to
communicate firmware revision data between the first and second
modules.
94. The hand-held glucose measurement system of claim 92, wherein
the display is configured to display a communication activatable
when the glucose concentration of the sample indicates
hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, impending hyperglycemia or impending
hypoglycemia.
95. The hand-held glucose measurement system of claim 92, wherein
the first or second module is selected from the group consisting of
a device comprising a PDA, a device comprising a mobile phone, and
a device comprising a combination PDA/mobile phone.
96. The hand-held glucose measurement system of claim 92, wherein
the wireless communication is by RF and/or IR.
97. The hand-held glucose measurement system of claim 92, wherein
the hand-held glucose measurement system is configured to receive
data and/or application programs from the computer and/or
network.
98. The hand-held glucose measurement system of claim 92, wherein
the hand-held glucose measurement system is configured to transmit
data and/or application programs to the computer and/or computer
network.
99. The hand-held glucose measurement system of claim 92, wherein
the hand-held glucose measurement system is configured for
connection with the internet.
100. The hand-held glucose measurement system of claim 92, wherein
the hand-held glucose measurement system is configured for
communication with a personal computer, and wherein the hand-held
glucose measurement system is configured to synchronize data in the
hand-held glucose measurement system with data in the personal
computer to produce synchronized data.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation patent application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/112,671, filed Mar. 29, 2002,
which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent
applications No. 60/300,011, filed Jun. 20, 2001, and 60/280,905,
filed Apr. 2, 2001, which are assigned to the same assignee as the
present application and are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to blood glucose monitoring, and
particularly to a blood glucose monitor and data management and
display device integrated as a synchronous, handheld unit, as an
effective and efficient diabetes management tool.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Blood glucose self-measurements have been conventionally
taken by diabetics. The diabetic uses a blood glucose measuring
tool. The diabetic typically pricks his or her finger using a
lancet. A droplet of exposed blood is applied to a sensor strip
which is placed in the glucose measuring tool. A reading appears on
a display of the measuring tool indicating the blood glucose level
of the diabetic.
[0006] Diabetics sometimes use a computer having some form of
software that permits the user to track the glucose measurements
they have taken. The glucose measurements are typically loaded into
the computer manually by the diabetic. Other transfer methods are
possible that require steps by the diabetic in order that the
information gets entered into the computer, e.g., transferring
glucose readings that have been retained in memory of the measuring
tool via a cable to the computer. The data may be sent to a health
care professional who may also be keeping an eye on the diabetic's
status. It is an object of this invention to provide a more
efficient and reliable process of taking the measurement,
determining the glucose level, entering the glucose level data into
a diabetes management program, and managing the diabetes condition
using diabetes management software.
[0007] In the past, the glucose measurement tool could be carried
by the patient for use almost anywhere. However, access to data
entry and management using the computer and software have been
relegated to a PC setup at a fixed location such as the patient's
home, and so these steps had to wait until the diabetic arrived
back at his or her home. In the present invention, it is recognized
that the development of hand-held devices such as PDAs and mobile
phones and PDA/mobile phone combined units could permit diabetics
to enter data and use the data management software away from their
PCs. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a
system that permits data entry and management by the diabetic away
from the diabetic's PC. In addition, it is desired to have a device
that permits this mobile data entry and management, and yet permits
the user to take off-finger measurements, or using so-called
alternate site testing.
[0008] Conventional methods have utilized two very separate
instruments, the glucose measurement tool and the PC. It is an
object of this invention to provide a synchronous tool that
performs the conventional functions of both the glucose measurement
tool and PC, and perhaps additional features and advantages. It is
a further object to synergistically provide this tool, such as by
using a same power source and/or a same display for both purposes,
i.e., glucose measurement and data management and/or analysis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the above, and in particular accordance with the
above objects, a measurement module for glucose testing is provided
including a glucose testing measurement module housing, a test
strip receptacle formed in the housing, and a connector portion
formed in the housing and shaped to permit mechanical, removable
attachment of the housing to a hand-held processing device,
hand-held computer, PDA, mobile phone or wireless processing
device. Electronics are provided either in the measurement module
or in the hand-held processing device for determining the amount of
glucose present in a sample of body fluid, when a test strip is
positioned in the receptacle and the fluid is placed on the test
strip, and for communicating the glucose amount to the processing
device via the connector portion.
[0010] The test strip is typically inserted into the test strip
receptacle so that the system may calibrate in preparation for
application of the body fluid to the strip. Insertion of the strip
may further initiate an activation of electrical components that
participate in the testing of a body fluid sample. When the system
is ready after connecting the measurement module with the hand-held
processing device, and after insertion of the strip into the
receptacle in the measurement module, and after any calibration or
component activation, then the system display preferably indicates
that the body fluid is to be now applied to the strip for testing.
An alternative system may be or may become available to those
skilled in the art wherein the body fluid is applied to the strip,
and/or calibration/component activation occur, before strip
insertion, and if such system would otherwise include one or more
features of preferred embodiments herein, then such systems may
also be within the scope of a preferred embodiment.
[0011] The housing of the glucose testing measurement module is
configured so that a sample of body fluid may be easily applied to
the strip when the module is connected to the hand-held processing
device and the strip is inserted into the receptacle in the
measurement module. The end of the housing from which the strip
protrudes is substantially narrowed compared with the end that
connects with the hand-held processing device. This narrowed end is
preferably a tapered trapezoidal profile, is preferably rounded in
two or three directions, protrudes from the connector end defining
a shoulder or inset particularly for matching an alternate site
body contour and is preferably made of low durometer material, so
that the module can rest comfortably and securely on a body
location near the test site for easy and precise application of the
body fluid to the strip. This configuration of the housing is
particularly advantageous when off-finger or alternate site testing
is desired such as at an arm or a leg site.
[0012] The test strip may be side-filled and may also be
tip-filled. Use of a side-filled strip is particularly advantageous
for alternate site testing. For example, the module may be rested
near the alternate test site (for example a forearm) with a user
contacting a rounded shoulder of the housing on the user's skin.
The device is then rocked comfortably into a test strip side-fill
contact position with the body fluid, due to the ergonometric
and/or arthopometric design of the module. For this purpose the
module preferably has no square or sharp edges exposed when fitted
with the handheld processing device. Even when using a tip-filled
strip, exposed edges of the module are preferably rounded for
rocking the strip into tip-filled contact with the body fluid, even
though the depth of the module is small compared with its width
particularly at the wider connection end, and contact with the user
may be established perhaps only at a single point on the narrowed
end when the body fluid in applied to the strip. The test strip
advantageously uses only a relatively small amount of body fluid
sample for performing reliable tests, such as less than 1
microliter. Measurements are conducted preferably using a
coulometric technique, and alternatively an amperometric,
reflectrometic or other technique understood by those skilled in
the art, which is significant for alternate site testing wherein
typically a lower volume of sample is made available by a same
lancing operation at an alternate site than when testing is
performed on the finger.
[0013] The removable connectability of the measurement module with
the hand-held processing device is greatly facilitated by
electronics that integrate the two components of this integrated
system. An isolation barrier is provided for safe glucose
monitoring and/or analysis, even though power is preferably
supplied to the module from the hand-held processing device, while
also data is transferred between the measurement module and
hand-held processing device. The power is preferably
transformer-coupled, or alternatively capacitatively-coupled,
between the isolated and non-isolated sides of the barrier. Analog
front-end signal acquisition circuitry of the measurement module
allows signals including data indicative of a blood glucose level
or other test of the body fluid to be acquired by the measurement
module. Opto-isolators preferably isolate data I/O circuitry and
provide a data signal transport route across the barrier to the
hand-held processing device so that the data can be analyzed there
and/or easily uploaded to a PC by HotSync. By "HotSync", what is
meant is any method of synchronizing data in the handheld with data
in a PC, such as by cable, cradle, infrared or radio link. By
"analyze", it is meant that the hand-held processing device can do
more than merely display a glucose measurement value. For example,
charts, plots and graphs of compiled glucose data can be generated
and additional factors such as diet, exercise, insulin regimen,
etc., may be used to process and/or display various information
relating to a diabetic condition or regimen. Serial to parallel
conversion circuitry permits parallel access to a data/address bus
of the hand-held processing device to the data transported across
the barrier.
[0014] In a particular embodiment, a measurement module for glucose
testing is further provided including a test strip receptacle in a
glucose measurement module, a connector portion formed in the
module shaped to permit connection of the module to a hand-held
computer by inserting the connector portion of the glucose
measurement module into a receptacle defined within the hand-held
computer, and electronics for determining the amount of glucose
present in a sample of body fluid, when the fluid is placed on a
test strip and the test strip is positioned in the receptacle, and
for communicating the glucose amount to the hand-held computer via
the connector portion.
[0015] A glucose monitoring apparatus is further provided including
a measurement module configured to couple with a test sensor and a
hand-held processing device electrically and mechanically coupled
with the measurement module to form an integrated, hand-held unit
for performing and analyzing a glucose measurement after the test
sensor is coupled with the measurement module and body fluid is
applied to the test sensor.
[0016] A further glucose monitoring apparatus is provided including
a measurement module configured to couple with a test sensor and a
hand-held processing device electrically and mechanically coupled
with and separable from the measurement module to form an
integrated, hand-held unit for performing and analyzing a glucose
measurement after the test sensor is coupled with the measurement
module and body fluid is applied to the test sensor.
[0017] A glucose monitoring apparatus is also provided including a
measurement module configured to couple with a test sensor and a
hand-held processing device configured to receive data transmission
from the measurement module. The measurement module and processing
device form a synchronous unit for performing and analyzing a
glucose measurement after the test sensor is coupled with the
measurement module and body fluid is applied to the test sensor.
The monitoring apparatus includes a single display at the
processing device.
[0018] A glucose monitoring apparatus is further provided including
a measurement module not having a display for displaying results of
glucose measurements, the module being configured to couple with a
test sensor, and a hand-held processing device configured to
receive data transmission from the measurement module. The
measurement module and the processing device form a synchronous
unit for performing and analyzing a glucose measurement after the
test sensor is coupled with the measurement module and body fluid
is applied to the test sensor. The processing device includes a
display for displaying the results of said glucose
measurements.
[0019] A glucose monitoring apparatus is further provided including
a measurement module configured to couple with a test sensor and a
hand-held processing device configured to receive a data
transmission from the measurement module. The measurement module
and processing device form a synchronous unit for performing and
analyzing a glucose measurement. The processing device is
configured for automatically receiving the data transmission after
the test sensor is coupled with the measurement module and body
fluid is applied to the test sensor.
[0020] A method of performing a glucose measurement using a
measurement module and a hand-held processing device is provided
including coupling the processing device electrically and
mechanically with the measurement module to form an integrated,
hand-held unit for performing and analyzing a glucose measurement
after a test sensor is inserted into the measurement module,
coupling the test sensor with the measurement module, applying body
fluid to the test sensor and reading a glucose level from a display
on the integrated hand-held unit.
[0021] A method of performing a glucose measurement using a
measurement module and a hand-held processing device is also
provided including coupling the processing device with the
measurement module to receive a data transmission from the
measurement module such that the measurement module and the
processing device form a synchronous unit including a single
display on the processing device for performing and analyzing a
glucose measurement after a test sensor is inserted into the
measurement module, coupling the test sensor with the measurement
module, applying body fluid to the test sensor and reading a body
fluid glucose level from the display on the processing device.
[0022] A method of performing a glucose measurement using a
measurement module and a hand-held processing device, is further
provided including inserting the measurement module into a
receptacle defined within the processing device for the processing
device to receive a data transmission from the measurement module,
such that the measurement module and the processing device form an
integrated, hand-held unit for performing and analyzing a glucose
measurement after a test sensor is inserted into the measurement
module, coupling the test sensor with the measurement module,
applying body fluid to the test sensor and reading a glucose level
from a display on the processing device.
[0023] The invention further includes a method of performing a
glucose measurement using a measurement module and a hand-held
processing device including coupling the processing device with the
measurement module to automatically receive a data transmission
from the measurement module after a test sensor is inserted into
the measurement module, such that the measurement module and the
processing device form a synchronous unit for performing and
analyzing a glucose measurement, coupling the test sensor with the
measurement module, applying body fluid to the test sensor and
reading a glucose level from a display.
[0024] A glucose monitoring apparatus is further provided including
a measurement module configured to couple with a test sensor, and a
hand-held processing device electrically and mechanically coupled
with the measurement module to form an integrated, hand-held unit
for performing and analyzing a glucose measurement after the test
sensor is inserted and body fluid is applied to the test sensor.
The measurement module is further geometrically configured to
enable off-finger or alternate site application of blood to the
test strip.
[0025] A glucose monitoring apparatus is also provided including a
measurement module configured to couple with a test sensor, and a
hand-held processing device electrically and mechanically coupled
with the measurement module to form an integrated, hand-held unit
for performing and analyzing a glucose measurement after the test
sensor is inserted and body fluid is applied to the test sensor.
The measurement module is rounded in three dimensions for providing
smooth off-finger or alternate site points of contact with the skin
of a person being tested.
[0026] A glucose monitoring apparatus is further provided including
a measurement module configured to couple with a test sensor, and a
hand-held processing device electrically and mechanically coupled
with the measurement module to form an integrated, hand-held unit
for performing and analyzing a glucose measurement after the test
sensor is inserted and body fluid is applied to the test sensor.
The measurement module is rounded in at least two dimensions for
providing smooth off-finger or alternate site points of contact
with the skin of a person being tested.
[0027] A glucose monitoring apparatus is also provided including a
measurement module configured to couple with a test sensor, and a
hand-held processing device electrically and mechanically coupled
with the measurement module to form an integrated, hand-held unit
for performing and analyzing a glucose measurement after the test
sensor is inserted and body fluid is applied to the test sensor.
The measurement module includes a telescoping trapezoidal profile
for permitting placement of a test strip inserted within the module
at an off-finger or alternate site location of a person being
tested.
[0028] A glucose monitoring apparatus is also provided including a
measurement module configured to couple with a test sensor, and a
hand-held processing device electrically and mechanically coupled
with the measurement module to form an integrated, hand-held unit
for performing and analyzing a glucose measurement after the test
sensor is inserted and body fluid is applied to the test sensor.
The measurement module includes an encapsulation port for the test
sensor and a PC board including an opto-isolation component. The
measurement module extends less than two inches in length and less
than one half inch in thickness beyond dimensions of the wireless
processing device.
[0029] A software program for analyzing glucose data measured with
a glucose monitoring apparatus which includes a measurement module
configured to couple with a test sensor and a hand-held processing
device is further provided. The measurement module and processing
device form a synchronous unit for performing and analyzing a
glucose measurement after the test sensor is inserted and body
fluid is applied to the test sensor. The processing device is
configured to HotSync with a PC. The software program includes
instructions for a processor to perform the steps of creating a
replica database on the PC of the glucose data stored in a device
database on the processing device, and synchronizing the glucose
data to a PC database program. The synchronizing step includes
reading the glucose data stored in the device database on the
processing device, matching the data to corresponding data in the
replica database, format converting the data and writing the data
to the replica database.
[0030] A software program for analyzing glucose data measured with
a glucose monitoring apparatus which includes a measurement module
configured to couple with a test strip and a hand-held processing
device is also provided. The measurement module and processing
device form a synchronous unit for performing and analyzing a
glucose measurement after the test strip is inserted and body fluid
is applied to the test strip. The processing device is configured
to HotSync with a PC. The software program includes instructions
for a processor to perform the steps of measuring glucose data from
the test strip having body fluid applied thereto, automatically
downloading the glucose data from the measurement module to the
processing device, and downloading the glucose data to a personal
computer.
[0031] A method for analyzing glucose data measured with a glucose
monitoring apparatus which includes a measurement module configured
to couple with a test sensor and a hand-held processing device. The
measurement module and processing device form a synchronous unit
for performing and analyzing a glucose measurement after the test
sensor is inserted and body fluid is applied to the test sensor.
The processing device is configured to HotSync with a PC. The
method includes creating a replica database on the PC of the
glucose data stored in a device database on the processing device,
and synchronizing the glucose data to a PC database program. The
synchronizing step includes reading the glucose data stored in the
device database on the processing device, matching the data to
corresponding data in the replica database, format converting the
data, and writing the data to the replica database.
[0032] A method for analyzing glucose data measured with a glucose
monitoring apparatus which includes a measurement module configured
to couple with a test strip and a hand-held processing device is
also provided. The measurement module and processing device form a
detachably integrated, hand-held unit for performing and analyzing
a glucose measurement after the test strip is inserted and body
fluid is applied to the test strip. The processing device
configured to HotSync with a PC. The method includes measuring
glucose data from the test strip having body fluid applied thereto,
automatically downloading the glucose data from the measurement
module to the processing device after measuring said glucose data,
and downloading the glucose data to a personal computer.
[0033] A software program for analyzing glucose data measured with
a glucose monitoring apparatus which includes a measurement module
configured to couple with a test sensor and a hand-held processing
device is further provided. The measurement module and processing
device form a synchronous unit for performing and analyzing a
glucose measurement after the test sensor is inserted and body
fluid is applied to the test sensor. The software program includes
instructions for a processor to perform the steps of measuring
glucose data, providing a sensory output of a glucose level
corresponding to the data, and automatically entering the data into
a database accessible by a diabetes management software
program.
[0034] A method for analyzing glucose data measured with a glucose
monitoring apparatus which includes a measurement module configured
to couple with a test sensor and a hand-held processing device. The
measurement module and processing device form a detachably
integrated, hand-held unit for performing and analyzing a glucose
measurement after the test sensor is inserted and body fluid is
applied to the test sensor. The method includes measuring glucose
data, providing a sensory output of a glucose level corresponding
to the data, and automatically entering the data into a database
accessible by a diabetes management software program.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 schematically shows a plan view of an integrated
glucose measurement module and hand-held processing device, such as
a personal digital assistant or PDA, or mobile phone, integrated
phone and PDA, or other wireless device, according to a preferred
embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of electrical modules of the
integrated glucose measurement module and PDA of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIGS. 3a and 3b schematically illustrate an advantageous
electrical isolation barrier feature of an integrated module and
PDA according to a preferred embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows an electrical circuitry schematic of a glucose
measurement module for integrating with a PDA according to a
preferred embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows an electrical circuitry schematic of a PDA for
integrating with a glucose measurement module according to a
preferred embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 6a schematically shows a bottom plan view of a glucose
measurement module for integrating with a PDA according to a
preferred embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 6b schematically shows a rear view of the glucose
module of FIG. 6a.
[0042] FIG. 6c schematically shows a bottom perspective view of the
glucose module of FIG. 6a.
[0043] FIG. 6d schematically shows a top perspective view of the
glucose module of FIG. 6a.
[0044] FIG. 6e schematically shows a side view of the glucose
module of FIG. 6a.
[0045] FIG. 6f schematically shows a front view of the glucose
module of FIG. 6a.
[0046] FIG. 6g schematically shows another side view of the
preferred glucose module with preferred dimensions shown in
millimeters.
[0047] FIG. 6h schematically shows a top view of the preferred
glucose module with preferred dimensions shown in millimeters.
[0048] FIG. 6i schematically shows another rear view of the
preferred glucose module with preferred dimensions shown in
millimeters.
[0049] FIG. 7a schematically shows a side view of the measurement
module of FIG. 6a integrated with a PDA according to a preferred
embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 7b schematically shows a plan view of the integrated
measurement module and PDA of FIG. 7a.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a glucose data handling system software
according to a preferred embodiment in block diagram form.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a hardware/software block diagram of an
integrated glucose measurement module and PDA according to a
preferred embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 10 shows a data flow diagram of an integrated glucose
measurement module and PDA according to a preferred embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 11 shows a software data flow diagram of an integrated
glucose measurement module and PDA according to a preferred
embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates a line graph of blood glucose data
generated by an integrated measurement module and PDA according to
a preferred embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates pie charts of blood glucose data
generated by an integrated measurement module and PDA according to
a preferred embodiment.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0057] What follows is a cite list of references each of which is,
in addition to the background, the invention summary, the abstract
and the claims, hereby incorporated by reference into the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments below, as disclosing
alternative embodiments of elements or features of the preferred
embodiments not otherwise set forth in detail below. A single one
or a combination of two or more of these references may be
consulted to obtain a variation of the preferred embodiments
described in the detailed description below. Further patent, patent
application and non-patent references are cited in the written
description and are also incorporated by reference into the
preferred embodiment with the same effect as just described with
respect to the following references: [0058] U.S. patent application
Ser. Nos. 09/413,565, 60/300,011 and 60/280,905, which are assigned
to the same assignee as the present application; [0059] Published
U.S. application Ser. Nos. 2002029058, 2002025469, 2002008038,
2001054319, and 2001017269, which are also assigned to the same
assignee as the present application; [0060] U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,307,263, 5,601,435, 5,899,855, 5,974,124, 6,153,062, 6,330,426,
6,334,778, D427,312, D439,242, D426,638, D424,6966, 338,790,
6,329,161, D450,854, 6,299,757, 6,294,281, 6,281,006, 6,251,260,
6,175,752, 6,120,676, 6,103,033; and GB 1579690, GB 2225637, GB
2194892, GB 2073891, GB 2154003, and GB 2204408; and [0061] EP
0504835, EP 0799896, EP 0800082, EP 0880936, EP 0048090, EP
0078636, EP 0096288, EP 0125139, EP 0136362, EP 0170375, EP
0080304, EP 0184909, EP 0206218, EP 0230472, EP 0241309, EP
0245073, EP 0278647, EP 0286084, EP 0359831, EP 0368209, EP
0390390, EP 0400918, EP 0453283, EP 0470290, EP 0255291, EP
0127958, EP 0781406 and EP 1147739 A2; and [0062] PCT applications
No. WO 86/00513, WO 89/02246, WO 90/00367, WO 95/06240, WO
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97/46868, WO 98/09167, WO 98/24366, WO 98/52045, WO 99/05966, WO
99/32883, WO 99/467582, WO 00/13580, WO 00/20626, WO 00/33065, WO
00/78210, WO 01/24038, WO 01/52727, WO 01/33216, WO 01/57238, WO
01/57239, WO 01/67009, WO 85/05119, WO 89/08713, WO 90/05300, WO
91/04704, WO 92/13271, WO 94/20602, WO 94/27140, WO 95/02817, WO
97/00441, WO 97/18464, WO 97/19344, WO 97/42882, WO 97/42883, WO
97/42886, WO 97/42888, WO 97/43962, WO 99/08106, WO 01/88524, WO
01/36430, WO 01/36660, WO 00/78992 and WO 99/30152; and [0063]
Schrezenmeir, et al., Computer Assisted Insulin Dosage
Adjustment-Perspectives for Diabetes Control, Hormone and metabolic
Research, Supplement Series Vol. No. 24, pp. 116-123 Theme Medical
Publishers (1990); [0064] A. Michael Albisser, Intelligent
Instrumentation in Diabetic Management, Vol. 17, Issue 1, pp. 1-24
(1989); [0065] J. Stuart Soeldner, Treatment of Diabetes Millitus
by Devices, the American Journal of Medicine, Vol. 70, 183-194
(January 1981); [0066] New Computer Uses Can Improve Diabetics'
Lot, The American Journal of Pharmacy, Vol. 70, pp. 144, 146
(February 1989); [0067] Hiroyuki Norio, Clinical Telecommunication
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Comput., 32, 227-230 (March 1994); [0068] A. S. Douglas et al.,
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International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and
Biology Society, New Orleans, 747-748 (Nov. 4-7, 1988); [0069]
User's Guide, Accu-Chek Compass Diabetes Care Software, Roche
Diagnostics, pp. 1-93 (2000); [0070] Laughton E. Miles, A Portable
Microcomputer for Long-Term Physiological Monitoring in the Home
and Work Environment, pp. 47-57, Raven Press, eds. Laughton E.
Miles and Roger J. Broughton (1990); [0071] P. G. Fabietti et al.,
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Heller, A., "Amperometric biosensors based on three-dimensional
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0075] FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an
integrated glucose measurement module 2 and a hand-held processing
device 4, such as preferably a personal digital assistant (PDA) 4
or a mobile phone or combined PDA/phone or other wireless device
with a processor as may be understood by those skilled in the art.
Hereinafter when the term PDA is used it is meant to refer to any
of these or other hand-held processing devices, any of which may
also be operated using hands-free accessories and/or equipment. The
glucose measurement module 2 (hereinafter "module 2") is shown in
FIG. 1 mechanically attached to the PDA 4. The module 2 is in this
way physically mounted to and integrated with the PDA 4. The module
2 is also electrically connected to the PDA 4 when mounted into the
PDA 4. In addition, the module 2 is software interfaced with the
PDA 4 when mounted into the PDA 4. The module 2 shown in FIG. 1
preferably does not have a display, since the display of the PDA 4
may be used for displaying information. The PDA 4 may be replaced
by another processing device having a display such as a mobile
phone having a connector for attaching the module 2.
[0076] The module is shown having a slot 6 for insertion of an in
vitro test strip 8. Some details may be found at U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/413,565, which is assigned to the same
assignee as the present application and is hereby incorporated by
reference. When the test strip 8 is inserted into the slot 6,
preferably blood such as whole blood, plasma and/or serum, and
alternatively another body fluid such as interstitial fluid, sweat,
urine, tears, saliva, dermal fluid, spinal fluid, etc., is applied
to the strip 8 and the module 2 measures the glucose level of the
body fluid applied to the strip 8. Hereinafter, whenever blood or
body fluid is referred to for being applied to the strip 8, it is
meant to include whatever body and/or biological fluid that may be
applied to strip 8 for testing. The glucose level data
automatically transfers to the PDA 4 (the data transfer mechanism
is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2-5), and
the glucose level in the blood tested is displayed on the display
10 of the PDA 4, or transmitted through a speaker or otherwise to a
user of the device shown in FIG. 1.
[0077] The PDA 4 is configured to HotSync with a PC for
transmitting data to a PC. The PDA 4 may also transmit data by
wireless RF and/or IR connection to a remote or host client or
server computer. The PDA 4 also preferably has internet
connectability or is otherwise configured for logging into a
network for transmitting and receiving data from the network.
[0078] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of electrical modules of the
integrated glucose measurement module 2 and PDA 4 of FIG. 1. At the
point of the in vitro test strip slot 6 at the top of FIG. 2 is a
strip interface 12 including circuitry for connecting to an in
vitro test strip for passing a current through blood applied to the
strip. Glucose measurement circuitry 14 is shown connected to the
strip interface 12 for measuring one or more parameters indicative
of a blood glucose level of the blood applied to the strip. An
isolated power module 15 provides power to the glucose measurement
circuitry 14 and strip interface 12 and ultimately to the test
strip.
[0079] An isolation barrier 16 is shown for isolating the power at
the module from the power at the PDA 4. The isolation barrier 16 is
provided to protect the user from having a high current pass
through his or her body when the PDA 4 is in a HotSync cradle 18
and thus is connected to AC power. Since an electrically conductive
part of the integrated measurement module 2/PDA 4 system (i.e., a
strip) contacts the patient, the system may be considered to have a
"patient applied part" and would be bound to comply with applicable
standards (AAMI ES1, IEC60601-1-2, etc) for isolated patient
connections. These standards contain requirements for a maximum
amount of current that can flow in either direction between the
patient and an AC power line or ground with either the module 2 or
the patient in contact with 110% of line voltage.
[0080] When the glucose measurement module 2 is inserted into the
PDA 4 and the PDA 4 is connected to it's HotSync cradle 18 as shown
in FIG. 2, AC ground is connected to the module 2. This connection
is made because the ground connection of the HotSync cradle 18 to
the PDA 4 is connected to ground at the computer to which the
HotSync cradle is connected, which is in turn connected to earth
ground at the AC outlet. If AC voltage is applied to the strip
connector 12, a large amount of current would flow to AC ground
through the module 2, PDA 4, HotSync 18, and/or computer
circuitry.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 3a, a module 20 connected to PDA circuitry
22 and not having the electrical isolation barrier 16 of FIG. 2 is
illustrated. A patient 28 is shown contacting a test strip 30,
e.g., for applying blood to the strip or for inserting the strip
into the module 20. The patient 28 is also contacting AC power 26
which also powers a computer 24. The computer 24 is shown
communicating with the PDA 22 through the HotSync cradle 18. AC
ground is shown connected to the computer 24, the Hotsync cradle
18, the PDA circuitry 22, and the module 20. If the user 28 became
in contact with the test strip 30 and inadvertently came in contact
with any earth referenced potential, large currents would flow
through the user 28, and back to earth ground via this path.
Conversely, if the module 20 or test strip 30 were to be
inadvertently raised to a high potential reference to earth ground,
again large currents would flow through the user 28. The risk in
each case is electrocution of the user 28 and the standards
consider having the user 28 in contact with significant potentials
a viable scenario. Should even very small currents flow across the
heart, e.g., there is significant risk of causing fibrillation.
[0082] In order to prevent this potentially dangerous situation,
electrical connections which come into contact with the user 28 at
the strip connector 30 are advantageously isolated from earth
ground or AC in accord with a preferred embodiment. FIG. 3b
illustrates the scenario described above with respect to FIG. 3a
except that the module 2 includes the isolation barrier 16 referred
to above with reference to FIG. 2. The user 28 who is shown in FIG.
3b in contact with AC power 26 to the computer 24 is also
contacting the strip 30 which is connected to the module 2. In
contrast with the scenario illustrated by FIG. 3a, the strip 30 is
not connected to AC ground, and thus no currents pass through the
user 28.
[0083] This isolation barrier 16 is preferably created via a
physical or otherwise insulating gap in the circuitry on the PC
board or the module 20. A preferred dimension of this gap is around
4 mm and is generally dictated by electrical safety standards.
[0084] Referring back now to FIG. 2, the glucose measurement
circuitry 14 and strip interface 12 are shown on the isolated side
of the barrier 16. Power for this isolated circuitry is created by
power transfer circuitry 32, which is a transformer coupled,
switching power supply according to a preferred embodiment. The
transformer 32 bridges the isolation barrier 16 and transfers
isolated power 15 to the isolated side of the barrier 16 from the
PDA-to-module interface connector 34. For sufficiently low power
consumption requirements, a capacitively-coupled supply would be a
viable alternative power transfer circuitry 15. Switching control
circuitry 36 is on the PDA (ground referenced) side of the
isolation barrier 16.
[0085] A glucose value is calculated by circuitry 14 on the
isolated side of the barrier 16. The glucose value, status, and
errors are communicated across the isolation barrier 16 preferably
via a bidirectional serial interface 38. Control commands may be
preferably received from the PDA 4 via this same interface 38.
Serial communication lines of the serial interface 38 bridge the
isolation barrier 16 preferably via optoisolators (not shown, but
see FIG. 5 and discussion below). Serial information is converted
to parallel by serial to parallel conversion circuitry 40 within
the module 2 on the PDA side of the barrier 16, so that the module
2 can communicate with the PDA 4. The PDA interface 42 at the
module connector 34 is parallel access directly to a PDA
data/address bus of PDA circuitry 44. This interface 42 includes
control lines as well as power connections.
[0086] As an alternative to providing an electrical isolation
barrier between module 2 and PDA 4, features can be incorporated
into module 2 that prevent it from being used at the same time that
PDA 4 is connected to a HotSync cradle or cable, thereby
eliminating the risk of passing high levels of electric current
through the cradle or cable to or from the patient. This can be
accomplished by providing an extended portion of the housing of
module 2 that extends down along PDA 4 to interfere with the
attachment of a cradle and/or cable to PDA 4 when module 2 is first
attached thereto, or prevent the attachment of module 2 when a
cradle or cable is already attached to PDA 4.
[0087] FIG. 4 shows an electrical circuitry schematic of a glucose
measurement module for integrating with a PDA according to a
preferred embodiment. The electrical schematic shown in FIG. 4
shows a strip connector 52 for making electrical connection to a
strip 8 inserted into the slot 6 of the module 2 of FIG. 1. Analog
front end signal acquisition circuitry 54 is shown for acquiring
signals indicative of a blood glucose level in blood applied to the
strip 8 (FIG. 1). A microprocessor 56 is shown for controlling the
module 4. The microprocessor 56 receives isolated power (see
element 15 of FIG. 2) as isolated voltage IVcc from an unregulated
voltage at point 58 of the schematic of FIG. 4 appearing on the
isolated side of the barrier (which is the barrier 16 of FIG. 2),
and regulated through regulator 60.
[0088] FIG. 5 shows an electrical circuitry schematic of a PDA for
integrating with a glucose measurement module according to a
preferred embodiment. A connector 62 for mounting the module 2 with
the PDA 4 as shown in FIG. 1 is shown next to a memory 64 for
storing digital data. At the right in FIG. 5 is a universal
asynchronous receiver/transmitter or UART 66. The UART is on the
non-isolated side of the barrier 16 of FIG. 2. The UARTs perform
the serial to parallel conversion of element 40 of FIG. 2.
[0089] Data is transmitted serially from the glucose module 2 to
the UART 66 (or converter 40 of the module 2 of FIG. 2) through
optoisolator 68. Data is transmitted serially from the UART 66 to
the isolated side of the barrier 16 of FIG. 2 through the
optoisolator 70. Data may alternatively be transferred across the
barrier 16 in parallel. Additional optoisolator components would be
used for parallel data transfer compared with serial transfer.
Serial transfer is preferred and allows the module 2 to be smaller,
more economical to manufacture and more power efficient than if
parallel transfer and additional optoisolators are used.
[0090] Power is transferred from the PDA 4 through the transformer
(corresponding to the power transfer circuitry 32 of FIG. 2). The
transformer is preferably a 1:1 transformer, and may be a step-down
or step-up transformer of a desired ratio. Through the transformer,
power as voltage Vcc is transferred from the non-isolated side of
the barrier 16 to the isolated side as isolated power 76. The power
may be around 3.3 Volts according to a preferred embodiment.
[0091] FIG. 6a schematically shows a plan view of a glucose
measurement module 78 for integrating with a PDA (not shown, but
see FIGS. 7a-7b) according to a preferred embodiment. The module 78
includes a mounting portion 80 and a specially shaped extension
portion 82. When the module 78 is inserted into a PDA and is
mechanically and electrically attached to the PDA and configured to
transfer data to/from the PDA, the mounting portion 80 is within
the PDA and the extension portion 82 protrudes outside of the
PDA.
[0092] The module 78 (corresponding to the module 2 of FIG. 2) is
about 54 mm wide at the mounting portion 80 which plugs into the
PDA 4 and scales down to around 23 mm at the end 86 of the
extension portion 82 where the strip 8 of FIG. 1 is inserted. The
extension portion 82 itself measures about 54 mm in width at the
other end where the mounting portion 80 begins and the extension
portion 82 is preferably about 28 mm long from the mounting portion
80 to the strip insertion end 86. The shoulder from which the
extension portion 82 narrows most drastically in about 8.5 mm in
extent o the approximately 28 mm extent of the extension portion
82. The curvature from the shoulder is about 0.5 rho, which changes
direction at a curvature of about 0.5 rho and which changes
direction again at a curvature of about 0.6 rho to the strip
insertion end 86. As the shoulder flattens out, it makes an angle
of about 100.degree. with the elongated direction of the module 78
from the strip end 86, or 80.degree. looking at it from the
direction of the mounting portion 80, which angle can be varied
somewhat while maintaining the shoulder and also the smoothness of
the rounding of the extension portion 82. The extension portion 82
is shown symmetric, but may have an arbitrary curvature on one side
the module 78 will be used by resting the extension portion on only
the side with rounded features as just described, i.e., it is
preferred there are no sharp corners on at least one side of the
extension portion 82, and it is more particularly preferred that no
sharp corners exist anywhere on the extension portion 82, nor even
on the mounting portion 80.
[0093] The mounting portion 80 connects electrically and for data
transfer to the PDA by preferably a 68 pin electrical connector 84
as shown in FIG. 6b for connecting to a complementary 68 pin male
connector of the PDA, wherein the male and female configuration may
be reversed or mixed. The thickness of the module 78 is indicated
as preferably around 19 mm. FIG. 6b schematically shows a rear view
of the glucose module of FIG. 6a. Although not shown, the module 78
attaches mechanically in place in the PDA receptacle by a pair of
mechanical latches preferably on opposing sides, e.g., the left and
right side in FIG. 6a, of the PDA receptacle.
[0094] The extension portion 82 is particularly ergonometrically
and/or arthopometrically configured so that a patient may insert a
strip into a strip insertion slot (corresponding to slot 6 of FIG.
1) at the end 86 of the extension portion 82, and so that the
patient can contact the strip with a drop of blood on the skin of
the patient's body. The device is configured so that the patient
may choose to use his or her arm, leg or any convenient anatomic
location including the finger. This is advantageous because
conventional systems often require application of blood to the
strip at the finger.
[0095] A feature of the shape of the extension portion 82 is its
protruding and/or telescoping trapezoidal profile. A utility design
is provided at the extension portion 82 of the module 78 that
promotes easy and efficient manipulation of the glucose strip on
the blood drop whether if be on or off-finger or at an alternate
site. The PDA module design incorporates a telescoping trapezoidal
profile that allows ease of placement and inhibits the PDA body
from encroaching or otherwise interfering with the placement, e.g.,
at a patient's arm. At the same time, the design is unobtrusive,
streamlined and safe.
[0096] The telescopic and/or protruding trapezoidal profile of the
module includes generous radii on each of the compound edges shown
in FIG. 6a. The design allows easy and effective collection of a
blood sample from any approved site on the body. The design allows
for ease of positioning the module in the proximity of the blood
drop and when actually placing the glucose strip on the blood drop.
The preferred radii of curvature of each of the three bends on each
side of the slot 86 of the extension portion 82 of FIG. 6a are
drawn to scale. The curvatures are selected such that the PDA does
not interfere with the blood application to the strip, e.g., from a
patient's arm, leg or other approved off-finger location, and such
that the shoulders of the extension portion 82 of the module 78 may
rest gently on the patient's arm while the blood is applied, if the
patient chooses, e.g., for support and/or stability. In addition,
the design allows for a discreet and unobtrusive profile extending
from the PDA. The design is compact and portable and preferably
does not include cumbersome and potentially hazardous cables and
extra attachments.
[0097] The extension 82 is preferably rounded in three dimensions
or at least two dimensions, e.g., as illustrated by the various
views of the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 6c-6f, and as
mentioned, preferably has no sharp corners on at least one side
which may be rested upon an arm or leg near an alternate site
testing location, and for displaying information while testing on
each arm for different tests such as on different days, the
extension 82 is preferably rounded on both side and is particularly
preferably symmetric as shown. FIG. 6c schematically shows a bottom
perspective view of the glucose module 78 of FIG. 6a with extension
portion 82, mounting portion 80 and pin connector 84. FIG. 6d
schematically shows a top perspective view of the glucose module 78
of FIG. 6a with mounting portion 80, extension portion 82 and strip
insertion end 86. FIG. 6e schematically shows a side view of the
glucose module 78 of FIG. 6a, indicating a total length of about 85
mm, a thickness of about 14 mm at the extension portion 82 and a
thickness of about 0.9 mm at the mounting portion 80, wherein the
extension portion 82 and mounting portion 80 couple in a staggered
fashion with each portion 80 and 82 having an edge which looks out
somewhat over the other. FIG. 6f schematically shows a front view
of the glucose module of FIG. 6a with the strip insertion portion
86 showing at the end of the extension portion 82. The corners are
rounded with radius of curvature about 2.6 mm in the middle of the
curve.
[0098] FIGS. 6g, 6h and 6i schematically show another side view, a
top view and another rear view of the preferred glucose module with
preferred dimensions shown in millimeters. Referring to FIG. 6g,
the mounting portion 80 of the module 78 has a thickness of around
14.3 mm, which differs from the 0.9 mm thickness shown at FIG. 6e.
The thickness, as well as the width and/or length, of the mounting
portion 82 is preferably set to adapt to the dimensions of the
receptacle of the hand-held processing device (e.g., PDA, mobile
phone, combined PDA/phone, etc.) that the module 78 is to be
connected, and these dimensions will vary depending on the device,
and so no fixed numeric dimensions are necessarily universally
preferred. The rounding of the strip insertion end 86 of the
extension portion 82 is shown as having minimum radii of curvature
of 9 mm on the bottom side and 2.5 mm on the top side. Referring to
FIG. 6h, the rounding from the shoulder of the extension portion
has a minimum radius of curvature around 12 mm, while the rounding
which is opposite in direction as the rounding from the shoulder
has a curvature radius of about 33 mm and that final rounding near
the strip insertion end 86 is about 22 mm at minimum. Referring to
FIG. 6i, a thickness of around 19.5 mm is shown for the rear view,
which shows the pin connector 84, including the thickness of the
mounting portion 80 added with the staggered overlooking portion of
the extension portion 82, as briefly described above, i.e., so that
the staggered overlook portion of the extension portion 82 is about
5 mm.
[0099] As shown in FIGS. 6a-6i, the extension portion 82 is rounded
away from each side of the slot 86 in two orthogonal directions,
and rounds from the slot 86 toward the mounting portion 80,
corresponding to a third direction in which the extension portion
82 of the module 78 is rounded. This advantageous design prevents
potential hazards such as pinching, lacerations, cuts or skin
abrasions, during normal use and handling.
[0100] The module 78 serves as a housing for the strip connector,
PC board and the opto-isolation components, while not appearing
bulky or obtrusive. As mentioned above, the module 78 does not
include a display such as a LCD screen because the PDA display may
be used as an advantageous PDA accessory for displaying blood
glucose levels without delay due to the integrated design of the
module 78 with the PDA (see FIG. 1). This contributes to the
compactness feature of the design, enabling the module 78 to extend
less than two inches beyond the end of the PDA, and as shown in
FIG. 6a, less than 1.5 inches and even below 1.2 inches. The module
78 at the extension portion 82 is around or less than 0.25 inches
thicker than the PDA. The module 78 weighs less than two ounces and
the preferred embodiment shown is around 1.1 ounces, while the
design may be configured at less than one ounce. In contrast, if a
display such as an LCD were included in the module 78, the module
78 would likely be 50-60% longer, 0.25 inches thicker and be at
least two ounces. The preferred module 78 thus does not have a
display, and is thus smaller and lighter than if it did have a
display, while the integrated module-PDA system has full display
capability. Obtaining power to run module 78 from the PDA rather
than from an internal power source also contributes to the light,
compact arrangement shown.
[0101] The module 78 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 6a
and 6b including the telescoped, trapezoidal-shaped design has
fully-radiused shoulders in an advantageous profile. Some preferred
radii and compound angle values are shown in FIG. 6a. From the slot
86, the design rounds toward the PDA at a preferred radius of
curvature of 0.6 rho, then rounds in the opposite direction away
from the slot 86 at a preferred 0.5 rho and then reverses its
curvature again toward the PDA at a preferred 0.5 rho.
[0102] The module 78 advantageously mates with a PDA device and
forms a single, hand-held unit for glucose measuring and data
management. The mechanical design shown in FIGS. 6a-6f allows
measurements to be taken that suppress problems that might
otherwise present themselves such as interference by the bulky PDA
in the blood application process, improper strip placement and
positioning, potential for injury, and obtrusiveness. The glucose
monitoring strip may be positioned to apply the blood drop, while
being attached to the module 78 which is itself mounted into the
PDA. The sheer size of the PDA in relation to the module 78 does
not inhibit the application process due to the design of the
extension portion 82 such that the PDA body does not interfere with
or become a hindrance to placement. The shape the profile of the
module actually conforms to the shape of a body part such as an arm
to which it rested, without presenting itself with an "arm-sliding"
problem, as the user positions the module 78 in close proximity to
the blood drop. The rounded shape, generous radii and material
selection reduce potential hazards to the user, in terms of cuts,
lacerations or skin abrasions.
[0103] Alternative designs would provide for a more pointed profile
to the module 78 to presumably provide easier access to the glucose
strip or the module 78 may be alternatively connected through a
strip connector and a flexible cable to allow flexibility of
placement, independent of the PDA body. These alternative designs
are not preferred, however, as the size of the pointed profile may
be limited by the size of the strip connector and would likely not
allow the user to effectively position the strip due to a lack of
plastic real estate. Additionally, a flexible cable, although
affording flexibility of placement, would be cumbersome and visibly
obtrusive. The preferred design thus has the slightly wider tip
such as shown in FIG. 6a and no cumbersome cable is used in the
preferred embodiment which includes the module 78 directly
mechanically coupled with the PDA.
[0104] The module 78 and particularly the extension portion 82 are
made of a low durometer material or thermoplastic elastomer facepad
detail on both sides of the enclosure, to act as a gripping surface
for module insertion and extraction, as well as afford the module a
measure of shock absorption. The material may preferably be a
PC-ABS alloy or other non-filled plastic resin.
[0105] FIG. 7a schematically shows a side view of the measurement
module 78 of FIG. 6a integrated with a PDA 4 according to a
preferred embodiment. An indication of an staggered overlook
portion of the extension portion 82 being 6.25 mm as opposed to the
5 mm shown about, again indicates that the dimensions of the module
78 can be varied to meet the specifications of the particular
hand-held device 4 being used. The mounting portion 80 is shown
inserted into the PDA 4 while the extension portion 82 is shown
protruding from the PDA 4. FIG. 7b schematically shows a plan view
of the integrated measurement module 78, with mounting portion 80
and extension portion 82, and PDA 4 of FIG. 7a. As shown, the
extension portion 82, with length of about 28 mm, protrudes from
the PDA 4 while the mounting portion 80 of the glucose measurement
module 78, with overall length of about 73 mm, is inserted within
the receptacle of the PDA 4 (or other hand-held processing device,
see above).
[0106] FIG. 8 illustrates generally a glucose data handling system
software according to a preferred embodiment in block diagram form.
FIG. 8 shows a measurement module 90 which receives a glucose strip
92 for measuring a glucose level of blood applied to the strip 92.
The measurement module 90 communicates with the PDA which may be
running a Palm operating system or other PDA operating system
software. The measurement module 90 is preferably configured to
turn off nonessential electronics when no measurement is being
made. The measurement module preferably includes a microprocessor
that controls internal timing, algorithms, result calculation and
fault determination, among other responsibilities. The module 90
includes circuitry to connect the serial output of its internal
microprocessor to PDA electronics including a mechanism for program
initiation and data transfer. The module 90 also preferably
provides electronic ESD protection on analog strip connector lines
and flash memory for storage of meter firmware and associated user
preferences. The module 90 is preferably powered by the PDA, but
could alternatively include its own power source, such as button or
AAA-size batteries. The module 90 includes electrical isolation
between the strip connector and the HotSync port.
[0107] The PDA communicates with a PC when the PDA is preferably
HotSynced to the PC. The PDA includes RAM as a temporary database
for diabetes management application data and/or programs and
non-volatile memory for permanent data and/or program storage. The
measurement of the glucose level may however be advantageously
performed when the PDA is not HotSynced to the PC, and the PDA
includes many data processing features itself for managing data
without support from the PC. For example, charts and/or graphs may
be generated on the PDA display. The PC system includes standard
peripheral devices such as a monitor 98, keyboard 100, CD-rom 102
and a printer 104.
[0108] FIG. 9 illustrates a hardware/software block diagram of an
integrated glucose measurement module 2 and PDA 4 according to a
preferred embodiment. The measurement module 2 shown includes a
strip connector 52 and analog front end electronics 54, such as
those shown in FIG. 4. The measurement module 2 also shows a
processor running firmware 110, wherein the processor may be as the
processor 56 shown in FIG. 4. The processor is shown having access
to non-volatile data storage 112. The isolation barrier 16 is shown
wherein the above-mentioned components of the measurement module 2,
i.e., the strip connector 52, analog front end electronics 54,
processor and firmware 110 and non-volatile data storage 112, are
on the isolated side of the barrier 116. PDA meter user interface
firmware 114 permits the module 2 to communicate with the PDA 4. A
serial to parallel interface, such as that shown in FIG. 2, is also
shown in FIG. 9 for converting the serial data transmitted across
the barrier 16 using optoisolators 68, 70 such as those described
above with respect to FIG. 5. An interface 116 is shown between the
module 2 and PDA 4.
[0109] The PDA 4 is shown having a PDA RAM and non-volatile storage
118, a PDA processor 120, a PDA display and touchscreen 122 and a
PDA serial interface 124. The PDA is configured to HotSync to a PC
system 96, such as that described above with respect to FIG. 8,
including a monitor 98, keyboard 100, CD-rom 102 and printer 104.
The PC system shown in FIG. 9 also includes a hard drive 126, a CPU
128 and a serial I/O 130 which alternatively may be USB.
[0110] The data may be entered on the PDA 4. This data may be
HotSynced to the PC 96. The data may also be entered on the PC 96
and reverse HotSynced to the PDA 4. In the former case, e.g., the
PC 96 would have an application stored in its memory for accepting
this data. This PC application would display and print logbook data
in various formats. The PC application would also export data to
various data processing applications. The application may use a
Microsoft Access Database or MDB format, while the data on the PDA
may be stored using the Palm PDB format.
[0111] The user is preferably able to reverse HotSync data from the
PC in order to restore the data to the state it was when it was
last HotSynced. The user might want to do this in the event the
database on the PDA becomes corrupted. The PC application and
database may store a complete history of data that was entered on
the PDA. The PDA user may choose to archive some of the PDA data on
the PC.
[0112] A conduit program may be used. The program may perform the
following steps: (1) create a replica of the data stored on the
PDA, on the PC; and (2) synchronize data from the PDA to the
database on the PC. The two steps may be performed in two separate
conduit programs. Synchronizing the data may include reading data
from a PDB file and writing it to the PC database. Microsoft Visual
Studio may be used for opening, reading and writing data in the PC
database. The data may be read from the PDA, matched to data on the
PC, format converted, and written to the PC database. Similarly,
data entered or modified on the PC may be matched to data on the
PDA. The data on the PDA may be updated to reflect the changes made
on the PC.
[0113] To match data from the PDA to the PC, unique ID numbers may
be used in records on the two systems. These ID numbers may be
created on the PDA as logbook records or on the PC as logbook
entries there. The uniqueness of the ID numbers may be achieved by
pre/post fixing the ID with an origin code identifying PC or PDA,
or alternatively perhaps a GUID.
[0114] To read data from a PDA file and write it to the PC
database, it is recognized herein that data in the PC database may
be organized into tables, which may be organized into records,
which may be broken down into predefined fields. Similarly, at some
level data will be organized into records with a consistent field
structure on the PDA.
[0115] The conduit program reads the data from the PDA file(s) and
writes it out to PC tables. The conduit program also reads data
from the PC tables and writes them out to PDA file(s). Various
types of data conversion may be used. For example, data residing in
fields in the PDA file may be converted from the format it exists
in the PDA file to a format compatible with the PC and vice-versa.
The logical structure of the records in the two systems may be
different. Tables may be created (either in code or in an external
file such as a database) which define the mapping of data in fields
of one system to data in fields in the other. Data may be stored in
temporary table(s) that may later be synchronized with main
table(s) that contain a complete logbook history, or the conduit
program may write to these tables directly.
[0116] FIG. 10 shows a data flow diagram of an integrated glucose
measurement module 2 and PDA 4 according to a preferred embodiment.
Current is flowed to a strip 8 from the measurement module 2 which,
as mentioned, is powered by the PDA 4 as shown and described with
respect to FIG. 5. The measurement module 2 includes a setup
component 132, which the module 2 communicates to the PDA 4, and a
user preferences, calibration code and glucose log component 134.
Component 134 serves to convert an electrical reading, such as the
current that passes through the blood on the strip 8, to a glucose
level, saves a glucose log, saves user preferences, and provides
status and error data to the PDA 4. Error data may include glucose
errors and charge errors. The PDA 4 is also configured to send user
preferences and a calibration code to the measurement module 2 for
use or storage by the component 134.
[0117] The PDA 4 also receives firmware revision data, measurement
state data and temperature data from the measurement module 2. The
measurement state and temperature are preferably displayed on a
display 10 of the PDA 4 or otherwise provided to a patient by
sensory output such as audio or vibration output. The display 10 is
preferably also configured to function with touchscreen software
and electronics 135. The PDA 4 includes a timer and power module
136, information about which is also displayed. Data regarding the
current time is also sent to the module 2 from the timer and power
module 136 of the PDA 4.
[0118] The PDA advantageously also includes an event database 138
and a user preferences database 140. The event database 138
generally includes information relevant to diabetes management,
such as glucose readings. Fields of an event may include time,
data, event type. The glucose and error data are stored to the
event database 138 after the PDA 4 receives the data from the
module 2. The event database includes a logbook which collects
glucose, insulin, carbohydrate and exercise data and time. The data
in the event database 138 may be graphed in many ways according to
helpful default or pre-programmed graphs or according to filtering
and preferences inputs from a user. Some exemplary graphs that may
be generated on the PDA display 10 from the event database and
software loaded on the PDA without the PDA being HotSynced or
otherwise connected to a PC or other processing device. In
addition, the data including glucose data is automatically sent to
the PDA 4 from the module 2 to be stored in the event database 138
where the data can be used to generate graphs that help a user such
as a diabetes patient to track glucose and other information. The
data measured by the module 2 does not need to be manually entered
by the user into a computer before the data can be processed into
graphs and the like, or so that the PDA's own software can process
or analyze the data to provide useful data analysis to the patient
regarding the glucose and other information relating to the
condition of the patient. Software on the PDA also preferably
includes insulin and carbohydrate tools, and software for
communicating with a PC. The user preferences database 140 may
store user input such as units of measure, date and time format, an
audible or otherwise sensory alert level, the language to be used
and other user preferences.
[0119] The PC 96 such as that schematically shown at FIGS. 8 and 9
may have additional features. For example, the PC may be configured
for viewing and printing the logbook stored on the PDA 4 and
transferred to the PDA 4. The PC may be configured to take glucose
values and put them into a data management database of its own that
may have the same or different capabilities as the event database
loaded on the PDA 4. The PC would be helpful for backing-up data
and for downloading applications programs to the PDA and also for
communicating with other computers over one or more networks.
Additional data processing features of the system of the preferred
embodiment herein are set forth below with reference to FIG.
11.
[0120] FIG. 11 shows a software data flow diagram of an integrated
glucose measurement module 2 and PDA 4 according to a preferred
embodiment. FIG. 11 shows how four software applications according
to a preferred embodiment interact and illustrate functions of
these applications and databases that the applications are
programmed to utilize. The applications include a meter application
150, a logbook application 152, a diabetes management application
154 and a data management application 156. Each of these
applications preferably runs on the PDA which has been described
above (e.g., see FIG. 10). These applications may also each run on
a PC to which the PDA is configured to communicate. The
applications may be downloaded to the PDA or another device from
the PC or a server or other digital data storage device such as a
CD-rom or magnetic disk.
[0121] FIG. 11 also shows a logbook database 158 and a carbohydrate
("carbo") database 160. The databases 158 and 160 are generally
electronic stored records. These may be separate databases or parts
of a same database. The logbook and carbo databases may be part of
the event database 138 mentioned above with reference to FIG. 10.
The logbook database 158 is preferably utilized by each of the
applications 150, 152, 154 and 156 mentioned above and shown in
FIG. 11, and includes automatic and manual glucose entries,
insulin, exercise, meal and other data, and applies user preference
filters. The carbo database 160 is preferably utilized by the
diabetes management application 154, and includes default
carbohydrate data and user entered data. Diabetes management
generally refers to activities performed by an individual with
diabetes to organize and optimize aspects of life with diabetes
such as medication, diet, and exercise that are involved in
treating and managing the diabetic condition. The diabetes
management application facilitates these activities for the
diabetic. The data management application generally provide graphic
representations and/or text summaries of data relevant to diabetes
management.
[0122] The logbook database 158 preferably includes time and date
tagged events which are automatically or manually stored such as
glucose measurements, manually entered glucose readings, exercise
records, insulin injection records, meal time records, state of
health records, note records, and medication among others. The user
may input entries to the logbook database 158, e.g., that are
derived from other glucose meters. Manually entered glucose
readings may be flagged as user input rather than meter input. The
user may enter other items such as insulin amount, type, and time
period, meal times and carbohydrate values, exercise time, type,
and degree of exertion (e.g., high, medium, low), state of health,
comments and medications. These items may be available to the user
from a predefined drop down list that can be edited and added to,
or can be manually entered. Data associated with a past event may
be entered or modified in the database 158 by the user. Events may
be tagged with time periods.
[0123] Each application 150-156 is configured to process user
inputs including glucose measurements. For example, the meter
application is configured to process calibration code input,
glucose readings and button presses. The glucose readings are
advantageously automatically stored in the logbook database 158 on
the PDA according to the programming of the meter application 150.
The logbook application 152 is configured to process stored log
data and manual entries, and to store and retrieve the log stored
log data and manual entries into and from the logbook database 158,
respectively. The diabetes management application 154 is configured
to process a daily regimen and events such as exercise, meals,
insulin dosages and times, etc. and to store and retrieve the daily
regimen and events into and from the logbook database 158,
respectively. The diabetes management application 154 is also
configured to store and retrieve carbo data and manual carbo
entries into and from the carbo database 160, respectively. The
data management application 156 is configured to process structured
data with user filters applied, and to store and retrieve automatic
and manual entry information into and from the logbook database,
respectively.
[0124] The data management application 156 may be configured to
allow the user to view data summaries in graphical and text
formats. The user may be able to select the length of time to be
viewed. The user may also be able to set a default length of time
to be viewed from within user preferences. The user may be able to
view a complete data set or filter the screen display to show only
a selected time period to view. The user may be able to select the
event type to be displayed, more than one event type may be
selected to be displayed simultaneously. Glucose summary statistics
may be displayed by a selected date range and time period. Both
selected date range and time period may appear on the display. The
summary statistics may include the number of measurements, the
highest measurement, the lowest measurement, the average
measurement, the standard deviation of the measurements, the
percentage of measurements within the target range, the percentage
of measurements above the target range, the percentage of
measurements below the target range, and insulin and carbohydrate
statistics summary. Graphical summaries may also be provided such
as line graphs and pie charts (see FIGS. 12-13). The user may be
able to select a point on a line graph and see the logbook entry
associated with that point.
[0125] The diabetes management application 154 may be configured
with diabetes management tools such as carbohydrate tables, insulin
tables, fast acting carbohydrate list, daily regimen (food and
exercise patterns) and target glucose levels. The application 154
may process one or more carbohydrate tables and a food database.
The user may be able to choose entries from a database listing
carbohydrate values of foods per listed serving size. The user may
be able to customize the food database by adding food items to the
food database. The user may be able to tag entries as "quick
picks". The diabetes management application 154 may include a
lookup table containing the dose of insulin required to lower
glucose concentration by a known amount. The user may input insulin
dosages based on a health care professional's recommendations.
[0126] One or more of the applications 150-156 may be configured to
issue "alerts". These alerts may be warnings directed to the user
that are audible, or otherwise sensory such as by vibration, and
displayed with graphics and/or text using the display screen on the
PDA. Alerts may indicate that a planned activity is due to begin.
Event markers may be used to indicate that the user makes an entry
into the logbook 158 to designate a specific condition or incident
that relates to a specific blood glucose measurement such as meals,
time before or after exercise, medication taken, sickness, feeling
hypoglycemic, etc. The applications 150-156, and particularly the
diabetes management application 154, may be used for
self-monitoring of glucose in whole blood, and may be used by
people with diabetes and by healthcare professionals as an aid to
monitor the effectiveness of diabetes management.
[0127] The applications 150-156, and particularly the meter
application 150, may be used to provide direction to a user taking
a glucose measurement and control data flow to the logbook 158. For
example, when the user inserts a test strip into the module, the
module is programmed to check the strip and perform a self test.
The display then indicates to the user when to apply the blood. The
user then applies the blood sample to the strip. The measurement
module monitors for fill (the PDA may, e.g., beep on fill) and
takes the measurement. The module is programmed to then determine
the glucose level and the PDA displays the result. The glucose
value is then automatically entered into the electronic logbook,
i.e., without user intervention, and the meter waits for further
user input. Once the glucose measurement is complete, the meter
application 150 may be configured to relinquish control to one or
more of the other applications 152-156.
[0128] FIG. 12 illustrates a line graph of blood glucose data
generated by an integrated measurement module and PDA according to
a preferred embodiment. The data used to generate this graph is
stored in the logbook database. The line graph of FIG. 12 shows
glucose levels according to the date that the glucose level was
taken. As shown, a glucose level that was recorded on November 5 at
around 500 mg/dL is labeled as being "Hi" while a glucose level
recorded on October 21 at around 20 mg/dL is labeled as "Lo". A
range between around 80 mg/dL and 140 mg/dL is indicated by dashed
lines in FIG. 12 suggesting an optimal glucose level range.
[0129] FIG. 13 illustrates pie charts of blood glucose data
generated by an integrated measurement module and PDA according to
a preferred embodiment. The data used to generate the illustrative
graphs of FIG. 13 is stored in the logbook database. All of the pie
charts shown in FIG. 13 may be displayed on a display screen 166 of
the PDA at the same time, or one or more may be displayed at a
single time. The graphs show the percentage of readings that are
below, within or above target. For example, chart (a) shows that
overall 39% of the time the readings are within target or within
the optimal glucose level range of FIG. 12. Charts (b)-(g) show the
percentages of readings that are below, within or above target
pre-breakfast, pre-lunch, pre-dinner, post-breakfast, post-lunch
and post-dinner, respectively. The user can understand his or her
glucose level trends from these graphs.
[0130] As described above, the advantageous glucose measurement
module 2, as schematically shown, e.g., at FIG. 1, including its
rounded-contour, tapered-shape narrowed end portion protruding from
an inset shoulder of a connector end, and its composition,
facilitates off-finger or alternate site testing. The strip 8,
and/or any of various embodiments thereof are described at PCT
published application No. WO 01/33216 and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/434,026, which are assigned to the same assignee as the
present application and are hereby incorporated by reference. For
example, the invention may use an electrochemical coulometric test
strip such as the FreeStyle brand strip sold by TheraSense, Inc. of
Alameda, Calif. The FreeStyle strip uses a so-called "side-fill"
arrangement.
[0131] "Coulometry" is the determination of charge passed or
projected to pass during complete or nearly complete electrolysis
of the analyte, either directly on the electrode or through one or
more electron transfer agents. The charge is determined by
measurement of charge passed during partial or nearly complete
electrolysis of the analyte or, more often, by multiple
measurements during the electrolysis of a decaying current and
elapsed time. The decaying current results from the decline in the
concentration of the electrolyzed species caused by the
electrolysis. "Amperometry", another method of electrochemically
measuring glucose, includes steady-state amperometry,
chronoamperometry, and Cottrell-type measurements.
[0132] While exemplary drawings and specific embodiments of the
present invention have been described and illustrated, it is to be
understood that that the scope of the present invention is not to
be limited to the particular embodiments discussed. Thus, the
embodiments shall be regarded as illustrative rather than
restrictive, and it should be understood that variations may be
made in those embodiments by workers skilled in the arts without
departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in
the claims that follow, and equivalents thereof.
[0133] In addition, in the method claims that follow, the steps
have been ordered in selected typographical sequences. However, the
sequences have been selected and so ordered for typographical
convenience and are not intended to imply any particular order for
performing the steps, except for those claims wherein a particular
ordering of steps is expressly set forth or understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art as being necessary.
* * * * *