This information can help patients understand how regular activities affect blood sugar levels. If blood sugars get dangerously high or low, an alarm sounds to alert the patient or caregiver. Three months of data can be stored in the GlucoWatch. The information can be downloaded to a computer, printed, or transmitted to a health care provider. Studies have shown the GlucoWatch provides results similar to those obtained with traditional home testing devices.
Some patients experience skin irritation at the site of the device.
Patients must also perform the traditional finger-stick test before giving themselves an insulin shot. The manufacturer must make refinements in the labeling and an educational program needs to be developed to ensure patients use the device and interpret the data correctly. Advisors caution the GlucoWatch should supplement and not replace the traditional finger-prick test. In addition, postmarket studies will be required to improve estimates of how well the device detects abnormally high or low blood sugar levels. According to a statement by the American Diabetes Association, the GlucoWatch is less effective at detecting dangerously low blood sugar than at sensing high glucose levels.