The laser, developed by Cell Robotics, Inc., is called Lasette and uses a powerful beam of light to vaporize a tiny hole in the finger so that diabetics can then test their blood glucose levels. The laser has the capacity to enable testing without causing any pain. Diabetes experts cautioned that the laser may be too expensive for many patients. It may also be too large, the size of a VCR tape, for people to carry around during the day. The laser creates a tiny hole in the finger and then glucose levels are measured as they are now.
Studies show that fingers healed just as fast as with lancets.
Cell Robotics makes two types of the laser. The only admonition from the company is a warning to parents that the laser in not a toy, and although designed to minimize accidents, it is a powerful machine so that children should not be allowed to use it unsupervised. New Drug submitted to FDA SmithKline Beechman has submitted a new drug for treatment of diabetes called Avandia to the US Food and Drug Administration ahead of its own target date. The drug will be targeted at type 2 diabetics. The drug is part of a new class of diabetes drugs known as glitazones, which are believed to reduce the amount of insulin needed and improve blood sugar control.