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.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian diabetic patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy, this study suggests that standard blood sugar monitors may not provide accurate readings inside the chamber. This means healthcare providers must be cautious when interpreting these readings to prevent complications like seizures due to incorrect blood sugar levels. It emphasizes the need for reliable monitoring methods during HBOT for patient safety.
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-recognized 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.