Glucose Trend Prediction via Subrange Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for displaying continuous glucose monitoring data in diabetic patients provide an inaccurate and incomplete picture, making it difficult for patients to understand their physiological situation due to lack of specialist knowledge required to interpret units like mg/dl/min or mg/dl/h.
Innovation Solution
A method that subdivides the measured value range into subranges and calculates trend information based on past values, allowing for prediction of future profile changes, with additional information on events like meals or insulin boluses, and displays a time period when the glucose concentration is expected to leave or enter a specific subrange, making it easier for patients to assess their situation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If continuous glucose monitoring data is displayed using traditional arrow indicators or level subdivisions, then trend information can be provided, but the display provides an inaccurate and incomplete picture that is difficult for patients to understand without specialist knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the glucose concentration range into multiple subranges (e.g., hypoglycaemic, target, hyperglycaemic ranges) and displays the current subrange position visually. This segmentation transforms complex continuous data into discrete, easily interpretable zones that patients can understand without medical knowledge while preserving complete information about glucose status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the display parameter from abstract concentration values (mg/dl) to time-based predictions (when will glucose leave/enter subrange). This parameter transformation makes the information both complete (predicting future states) and easy to understand (using time rather than concentration units), directly resolving the contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If detailed measured value data with units like mg/dl/min or mg/dl/h is provided, then measurement precision is improved, but patients lack the specialist knowledge required to interpret these values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives precise measurement data and transforms it into simplified visual indicators (current subrange position, predicted future subrange). This intermediary maintains measurement precision internally while presenting simplified, easily interpretable information to patients, resolving the contradiction between precision and interpretability.
3Ease of operation
If arrow indicators are used to show trend direction, then the display is simple, but only an inaccurate and incomplete picture of the glucose profile is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the display by showing not only the current subrange position but also predicting when the glucose level will leave or enter the current subrange. This dimensional expansion maintains simplicity while providing complete and accurate information about both current state and future trajectory, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and information completeness.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method for visualization of a parameter which is measured continuously on or in a human body, in particular a glucose concentration, the following steps are carried out: first of all, a measured value range (1, 2) for the measured parameter is subdivided into two or more subranges (1.1 - 1.5, 2.1 - 2.5). Trend information is then calculated relating to the future expected profile of the measured parameter on the basis of two or more measured values. A time period (4) after which it is predicted that the measured parameter will have left its current subrange is calculated based on a current value of the measured parameter and the calculated trend information and, finally the determined time period (4) is displayed. An apparatus for carrying out a method such as this comprises a measurement apparatus (11), a system controller (12) with a computer (14) and with a memory unit (15) and a display (13). A computer program product for carrying out a method such as this on an appropriate apparatus is likewise disclosed. On the basis of the calculation and display of a time period (4) after which the measured parameter will have departed from one subrange (1.2) to another (2.3), it is possible for a patient to assess, even without detailed knowledge of the medical relationships, the effects of his action at a time which he can comprehend on the basis of the prognoses available to him, and if appropriate to take corrective actions.