Multiple Wavelength Non-invasive Ocular Polarimetry for Glucose Measurement for Management of Diabetes

We propose the development of a non-invasive method of blood glucose measurement that is based on ocular polarimetry. This method has been under development for some time and is based on measuring the polarization rotation due to glucose in solution. Laboratory results show that glucose concentrations can be measured to better than 2% of normal blood glucose levels. The primary objectives are to apply the techniques developed in the laboratory for polarimetric glucose concentration measurements to measure concentrations in enucleated eyes (to be obtained from the Connecticut Eye Bank), and to build a refined and miniaturized version of the polarimetric device as a first step towards developing a unit for home glucose monitoring. Technical issues to be addressed include demonstrating the applicability of the technique to enucleated eyes, determining the effectivenss of improving accuracy using multiple wavelength monitoring, improving the signal to noise ratio, and building a compact prototype with improved electronics. Anticipated Benefits: Non-invasive measurement of blood glucose concentration. Alternative application to non-invasive measurement of other body chemicals. Use for home glucose monitoring in diabetics. Use for non-invasive measurements of blood/body chemistry in the field.