Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For a PBS project we have to come up with an invention that would help the everyday life of a diabetic. My group and I were thinking about doing a surgically implanted carbohydrate counter that comes in with an app that alerts you when you are getting close to your daily carb limit, like the texts you get when you're almost out of data for your phone. The problem were having, is how to count the carbs. We dont know what to use or do that will make the device count your carb intake without having to log it.

Hi, this is a very interesting project that addresses a very serious need! Would you be counting the carbohydrates ingested or in the bloodstream? Also, where do you propose to implant the device?

Best regards,
Jen

I just want to note that total calorie count or amount of carbohydrates during the day is less important to diabetics than the acute blood glucose readings which tell them if they need to inject insulin or not. An implanted blood glucose meter that constantly measures this and sends messages to the patient is a good idea (though its possible this has already been done).

Cheers,
Colin