SINGAPORE: At three years old, Mason Lee embodies all the qualities of a lively and enjoyable toddler. The only thing that sets him apart from the other kids is a white patch on the back of his arm when he runs around the playground.
The patch is a sensor that takes his blood glucose automatically every few minutes and sends the data to his mother’s phone so she can monitor variations in the level.
Mason needs it. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that impairs normal insulin production in the body.
A dangerously low blood sugar level could put him in a coma, cause seizures, or even cause death. When it rises too high, it can eventually harm blood vessels and nerves, leading to major health issues like heart disease and stroke.
The three-year-old had to endure four to six finger prick tests per day prior to being placed on the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.
The CGM system is more expensive even though it eliminates the need for these tests. CNA’s internet research indicates that the price of a sensor, which has a 10-day maximum usage, ranges from S$80 to S$100 (US$60 to US$76).
Also Read:
The Dalai Lama and Senior US Officials Meet in New York
Analysts Predict that the Singapore Dollar may Decline in the Upcoming Months