GlucGo
Fall 2021 | Grace McIsaac
Research Summary
1.6 million people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, including 200,000 children and 1.4 million adults, just in the U.S. alone. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce the insulin that is needed to absorb glucose and and manage blood sugar levels. These diabetics typically test their blood sugar 3-5 times per day and take insulin to lower blood sugar when needed as their bodies cannot do it themselves. To raise blood sugar, diabetics will eat snacks with sugar. The problem with blood sugar testing kits is that it only includes the testing device and not needles, test strips or snacks.
Creative Brief
Design a small, organized kit for insulin using diabetics to help with daily blood tests. This kit should be compact and portable to reduce the impact that diabetes already has on the user’s day-to-day life.
GluCo aims to be a diabetics best friend. It includes a smart blood sugar testing device that can track readings and monitor the user's health over time. The needles for drawing blood are safely hidden in silicone cylinders. When put in place, the user pushes their finger down on the silicone and the need pierces the skin. In one swift motion, with the blood on the finger, the user pulls a test strip and inserts it into the device.
The device reads the test strip and displays the information on the interactive screen. The device offers a next step for the user if their blood sugar is low. The user can also view a graph of their readings. They can view their readings throughout the day, as well as their highs and lows from previous weeks or months. This is important for picking up changes over time in their health.
Flipping the product over allows access to the Snack Pack, storage for food needed to quickly raise the user's blood sugar if needed. The storage is customizable for different or multiple sizes. To change out storage, simply slide the back compartment off and push a new one (or two) into place until it snaps in.
A physical prototype was made using 3D printing and rubber spray for the sides.
