What Researchers Did
Researchers tested how accurately different commercially available blood sugar monitors worked inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at 2.36 atmospheres absolute (ATA).
What They Found
At 2.36 ATA, the Glucometer M+ showed higher blood sugar readings, while the Companion 2 and HemoCue showed lower readings. The One Touch II showed lower readings for high blood sugar (above 150 mg/dl), and the ExacTech Pen showed higher readings for low blood sugar (below 100 mg/dl). Overall, the accuracy of these blood sugar monitors was significantly affected by changes in atmospheric pressure.
Canadian Relevance
While this was not a Canadian study, it addresses a crucial safety concern for diabetic patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is a Health Canada-recognised treatment for conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers.
Study Limitations
A key limitation is that the study evaluated glucose monitoring devices from 1995, which may not reflect the accuracy of modern glucometers used today.