P.Cezanne Project

Project Motivation

Diabetes is one of the most common acute diseases in humans.  Approximately 8.6% of the western population suffers from type 1 or 2 diabetes and rates are expected to rise because of rapid changes in diet habits.  To stabilize blood glucose (BGL) daily and allow normal life, diabetic patients must constantly watch their BGL and inject themselves with insulin several times a day.  Failure to regulate their blood glucose concentrations and changes in glucose blood level over a long period may be critical and result in severe secondary complications, such as: myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, kidney diseases, diseases of the nervous system, and retinopathy leading to blindness.  Attempts to develop extrabody devices have so far failed for many reasons. The main goal of this project is to provide the medical caregivers with an IST tool capable of real-time monitoring the glucose levels of diabetic patients. Therefore, micro sensors implanted under the skin constantly measuring BGL levels is the most suitable solution.

The main objectives are to research and develop a novel implantable long-term nano-sensor for continuous BGL monitoring. The nano-sensor will be linked to the wireless device platform of the ICT system and the data will be automatically collected, stored and processed. The novelty of P.CÉZANNE lies in the nano-sensor containing living cells or proteins, the compact capsule with optics and microelectronics that continuously measures and provides doctors with real-time online medical data.

The system design can be applicable to other diseases related to monitoring other medical parameters by changing the biological substrate in the sensor. Such technology will provide better means for monitoring and treating people with diabetes.

Project Challenge

The main objectives of this project are to develop a nano glucose implantable sensor supported by an ICT system for continuous real time data collection and monitoring, and an innovative closed loop system that can advise on the optimal treatment including insulin injection dose and more. Such technology will provide increased means for diabetics to stabilize their blood glucose level with minimum invasive procedures (daily) and provide real-time, accurate and frequent readings, alerting before Hypo or Hyper Glycaemia occur.

Afcon Contribution

Afcon Software and Electronics Ltd lead the ICT platform and the ICT Work-Package development.

ICT system comprises of two main parts:

a. Central Monitoring System

This Central Monitoring System is designed to work as a telemedicine facility specialising in treating diabetic patients. The Center provides monitoring and medical support service needed to treat diabetic patients while improving their quality of life by helping them to regulate their BGL and providing on-line help to those needing aid in regulating their BGL.

The CMS is an information system that collects the BGL data of a large group of people with diabetes, manages processes and displays the data within a medical monitoring service for treating Diabetes.

b. Wireless Telecommunication System

The goal is to develop wireless device platforms and their applications allowing a two-way communication between the patient and the medical professionals of the Central Monitoring Service. The patients will be able to monitor and track their personal body glucose values (BGLs) and to communicate with the doctor or with the Healthcare Service Personnel for real- time help. The patient will also have access to various information packages made available by the remote monitoring service (patient education system).

The Wireless Device Platform will be compatible with numerous wireless devices, such as Mobile Phones, and also IP network abilities using readily available data bearer protocols such as GPRS, EDGE or UMTS (3G).