Technologies for Diabetes Self-Monitoring: A Scoping Review and Assessment Using the REASSURED Criteria

Abstract

Background: Self-management is an important pillar for diabetes control and to achieve it, glucose self-monitoring devices are needed. Currently, there exist several different devices in the market and many others are being developed. However, whether these devices are suitable to be used in resource constrained settings is yet to be evaluated. Aims: To assess existing glucose monitoring tools and also those in development against the REASSURED which have been previously used to evaluate diagnostic tools for communicable diseases. Methods: We conducted a scoping review by searching PubMed for peer-review articles published in either English, Spanish or Portuguese in the last 5 years. We selected papers including information about devices used for self-monitoring and tested on humans with diabetes; then, the REASSURED criteria were used to assess them. Results: We found a total of 7 continuous glucose monitoring device groups, 6 non-continuous, and 6 devices in development. Accuracy varied between devices and most of them were either invasive or minimally invasive. Little to no evidence is published around robustness, affordability and delivery to those in need. However, when reviewing publicly available prices, none of the devices would be affordable for people living in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusions: Available devices cannot be considered adapted for use in self-monitoring in resource constraints settings. Further studies should aim to develop less-invasive devices that do not require a large set of components. Additionally, we suggest some improvement in the REASSURED criteria such as the inclusion of patient-important outcomes to increase its appropriateness to assess non-communicable diseases devices.

Point‐Of‐Care Ultra‐Portable Single‐Molecule Bioassays for One‐Health

“…The World Health Organization, as already discussed, elaborates on these standards through a set of criteria conveniently summarized with the acronym REASSURED. [56,[128][129][130] Such an approach is under consideration also for better managing and cure of on non-infectious diseases. [129,130] Nevertheless, the practical implementation of an approach focused on screening asymptomatic individuals is not yet considered mature, and it is facing criticism.…”

“…[56,[128][129][130] Such an approach is under consideration also for better managing and cure of on non-infectious diseases. [129,130] Nevertheless, the practical implementation of an approach focused on screening asymptomatic individuals is not yet considered mature, and it is facing criticism. This section reports on studies often utilizing data from the COVID-19 pandemic, providing evidence-based critical perspectives on the relevance and effectiveness of surveillance campaigns.…”

“…The World Health Organization, as already discussed, elaborates on these standards through a set of criteria conveniently summarized with the acronym REASSURED. [ 56,128–130 ] Such an approach is under consideration also for better managing and cure of on non‐infectious diseases. [ 129,130 ]…”

Nanoplasmonic Strip Test for Salivary Glucose Monitoring

“…REASSURED [ 6 ] criteria sum up the fundamental features that these devices must have to be considered in POC. Currently, there is a variety of commercial glucose detection options based on different mechanisms [ 7 , 8 ]. However, these devices do not fully meet the POC requirements, mainly because they do not facilitate the specimen collection, due to the use of invasive samples.…”

“…However, these devices do not fully meet the POC requirements, mainly because they do not facilitate the specimen collection, due to the use of invasive samples. Moreover, they are not equipment-free and are not affordable for low/middle-income countries [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Among the commercial tools, glucometers are widely spread, thanks to their sensitivity and reliability.…”