The GlySens long term implantable glucose sensor system provides fundamental advantages over the traditional 'fingerstick' method of glucose monitoring.

In traditional methods, the user must initiate a glucose measurement by pricking their finger to obtain a drop of blood. This drop is then placed in contact with a disposable test strip that is coupled to a portable meter. A single glucose measurement is obtained from this burdensome and inconvenient process, which is impractical to use frequently enough to enable optimum therapeutic delivery profiles.

Continuous monitoring products based on short-lived percutaneous disposable sensors, intended for only a few days' use, have been recently introduced by some companies. These products require the user to insert a sensor through the skin using a needle introducer, attach an external electronics module to the sensor, affix the module to the body, and calibrate the system, which in some cases is required several times per day. The sensor insertion process must be repeated every few days with a new introducer and sensor. These systems are not sufficiently accurate to replace fingerstick methods, and, with their associated maintenance and percutaneous features, are cumbersome to use.

In contrast to currently available devices, the GlySens long term, fully implantable glucose sensor is unobtrusive and also does not require user initiative to obtain a measurement. The sensor resides completely under the skin in subcutaneous tissues, continuously monitoring glucose levels, and, in a first system configuration, reports information wirelessly to a small external monitor worn on the belt or carried in the pocket or purse. The external monitor reports the user's most recent glucose level and displays trend information from previous glucose levels, and can be programmed to alert the user of unsafe glycemic conditions. An important advantage of this type of sensor system is the capability to warn of hypoglycemia, glucose levels that are dangerously low. Measurements are automatic, do not require user initiative, and provide current glucose information at any time, even during sleep. The GlySens sensor is specifically designed to address key shortcomings of other monitoring technologies for controlling therapeutic delivery, and may enable introduction of important new therapeutic tools based on sensor feedback signals.