Most (90%) critically ill patients spontaneously develop hyperglycaemia and increased variability of blood glucose. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials show that too poor glucose control in the ICU increases mortality (30%), complication rates (infection 40%, sepsis 40%), and cost. However, outside of clinical trials it is not possible to achieve glucose control safely in the ICU. Intermittent point measurements every few hours do not capture the changes in glucose level. Technology developed for diabetics have consistently failed due to the difficult conditions in ICU patients. Many companies have tried to develop continuous sensors for the ICU market, but all solutions have suffered from being either i) too unreliable or ii) difficult to use in the clinic. GlucoSet is developing the first arterial continuous glucose monitor using a novel sensor technology. The product combines reliability and ease of adoption, directly adressing clinician needs.
The overall objective of the project is to develop the product so that it is ready for CE-mark and commercial use in European hospitals. This will be avchieved by first doing a feasibility study in patients, then making any required revisions to the product based on findings in the feasibility trial, and finally doing a test that gives enough clinical evidence for market access. This is all part of the Horizon 2020 project.