Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D) that can have life-threatening consequences. It occurs when there is a high level of glucose in the blood and the body produces excessive amounts of ketone bodies. To manage this condition, individuals with T1D need to constantly monitor their levels of ketone bodies and glucose. While continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have made significant advancements in providing non-invasive or minimally invasive glucose measurements, there has been little progress in developing methods for continuous monitoring of ketone bodies (CKM). Currently, the commonly used approaches involve self monitoring with commercially available blood or urine strips. However, these tools have limited adoption, provide only single time point measurements, and can be costly for some patients.

In our project, which is funded by Breakthrough T1D (2-SRA-2022-1167-M-B), we address this challenge by utilizing a minimally invasive biosensor based on hydrogel microneedle (HMN). This biosensor enables simultaneous and continuous measurement of the primary biomarker for ketone formation, 3-β hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), as well as glucose levels. By doing so, we intend to reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with T1D. We plan to test the developed CGM-CKM device on human subjects, including both healthy volunteers (HV) and patients with T1D. The HV testing will take place at the laboratory of Dr. Poudineh and Dr. Devries-Aboud in Waterloo, while the validation involving patients with T1D will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Lal at Stanford.

The age range for the healthy volunteers (HVs) will be between 18 and 45 years old and with no family history of Diabetes (T1D or T2D, specifically biological parents and siblings).

Exclusion criteria included: (i) currently taking any medications (except for birth control for females); (ii) following a low-carbohydrate diet or consuming nutritional ketone supplements; (iii) considered competitive athlete engaged in competition or intensive training, (iv) have been diagnosed with Diabetes (T1D or T2D), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disorder. (v) Having an allergy to any of the ingredients in the products used in the study, which will be explained to you in detail.

Healthy volunteers (HVs) will be between 18 and 45 years old and with no family history of Diabetes (T1D or T2D, specifically biological parents and siblings).

Sensor measurements and blood glucose and ketone levels will be shared via publications.