A NEW hi-tech glucose meter known as Nova Max Plus Meter, that measures level of ketones in diabetic patients, is now in the Nigerian market.
Ketones are three soluble molecules produced by the liver from fatty acids during periods of low food intake, carbohydrate restrictive diets starvation, or prolonged intense exercise in untreated type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Introduced by Nova Biomedical of the USA, in partnership with Union Diagnostics, experts say the device will help curb the mortality rates of diabetes in children and adolescent.
At the official launch in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officevr, Union Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Dr. Olusola Akinniyi explained that about 4 percent of deaths are caused by wrong measurements which makes doctors give wrong medications that could lead to sudden death of patients, hence introduction of Nova Max Plus Meter for accurate measurements.
Akinniyi attributed the rise in diabetes in children to high consumption of junk foods, and lack of physical activity. “Many people are taken in with no time to exercise which is the reasons they should be frequently tested with the accurate meters.
“Nova Max Plus is the first glucometer that can measure blood sugar as well as ketones. Most glucose meters can measure blood sugar but their measurement is not accurate due to interference from other blood components.
He explained that a ketone test can provide the extra time needed to initiate at home management to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) because during sick days elevated blood ketone, more than blood glucose levels indicate that a child’s care must be more aggressive.
“Even before blood glucose begins to rise; blood ketone levels during Illness can signify a change in metabolic status”.
A Senior Director, International Sales, Nova Biomedical, USA, Mr Kenneth Lumm, said a reliable test result will help both the patient and the healthcare giver avoid the complications of diabetes.
Lumm called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of regular blood glucose check and ketone levels.
In her paper – “Unmasking Diabetes Mellitus”, Associate Professor of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr Anthonia Ogbera, lamented that 2 percent of Nigerians with diabetes die for lack of care.
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