- βSingle sensor can track both glucose and lactate without adding extra devices
- βGlucose accuracy was comparable to a standard commercial CGM and improved over four days
- βDevice was safe in first-in-human testing, clearing the way for larger studies
| Journal | Journal of diabetes science and technology |
| Year | 2026 |
| Authors | Lu, Morrison, Halim |
| PMID | 39075942 |
What Was Studied and Why It Matters
For people living with diabetes, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have been life-changing since they first became available in 1999. But researchers believe the next generation of automated insulin delivery β sometimes called "closed-loop" or artificial pancreas systems β could work even better if they received more than just glucose readings in real time.
This study tested a brand-new sensor that measures both glucose and lactate from a single probe worn on the arm. Lactate is a chemical your muscles produce during exercise and other physical activity, and it can affect how your body responds to insulin. Having both readings at once, without needing a second device, could help automated systems make smarter, safer dosing decisions.
What the Researchers Did
Sixteen adults with diabetes wore the investigational sensor (made by PercuSense Inc.) on their upper arm for four days. Eleven participants provided complete data. They also wore a standard Medtronic Guardian 3 CGM on their abdomen for comparison. On days 1 and 4, everyone went through a meal test followed by an exercise session. Accuracy was checked by comparing sensor readings against precise lab blood draws.
What They Found
- Glucose accuracy improved over time: The new sensor's glucose readings had an average error of about 14.5% overall β similar to the Guardian 3 CGM (13.9%). Importantly, accuracy got better by day 4 compared to day 1, suggesting the sensor settles in as it wears.
- Lactate tracking showed promise: About 60% of lactate readings were within 20% of lab values, and 83% were within 40%. While not yet as precise as glucose, this is a meaningful first step for a first-in-human trial.
- The device was safe: No significant safety concerns were reported across all participants.
What This Means for Real Patients
Right now, this is early-stage research β think of it as a promising proof of concept rather than something you'll find at your pharmacy tomorrow. But the implications are exciting. Exercise is one of the trickiest parts of managing blood sugar, and lactate levels rise significantly during physical activity. A sensor that tracks both could help automated insulin pumps better predict and prevent low blood sugar during and after exercise.
For people managing diabetes day-to-day, reliable CGM supplies remain essential. Whether you use a Medtronic system or another brand, MDS Diabetes carries a wide range of CGM sensors, transmitters, and insulin pump supplies to keep your current technology running smoothly while next-generation devices like this continue to develop.
Bottom Line
A new single-probe sensor that continuously measures both glucose and lactate showed safe performance and accuracy comparable to a standard CGM in a small human trial. Lactate monitoring isn't perfect yet, but this dual-sensing approach could eventually help automated insulin systems handle meals and exercise more effectively. Larger studies are the next step. In the meantime, staying consistent with your current CGM routine β and keeping your supplies stocked through trusted sources like MDS Diabetes β remains the best strategy for daily blood sugar management.