The application of precision medicine for diabetes treatment

Precision medicine has evolved from an initial focus on personalized medicine based on genetics to a broader notion that includes diagnosis, prediction, prevention, monitoring, treatment, and prognostics by integrating multi-dimensional data from biological and extrinsic environments. It is beneficial to health problems, especially type II and gestational diabetes, since both types are closely relevant to genetics and personal life habits. Our long-term goal is to continuously develop an app that monitors patients’ real-time glucose fluctuations by using optical glucose sensors paired with a modified cell phone while tracking important information about individuals’ unique biology, environment, and context to determine their potential risk factors. Helpful reminders are provided by integrating and analyzing individual data pools to minimize the exposure to specific risks. In this work, we use a proof-of-concept fluorescent glucose sensor implanted under a person’s skin. The sensor’s key mechanism is by applying the chemical equilibrium of Boronate formation between a Boronate Ester and Glucose to form a Glucose-Derived Bornite Ester. When alizarin-phenylboronic acid (fluorescent) binds with glucose, it will be dissociated into glucose-derived Boronate Ester (Not Fluorescent). Therefore, the change in fluorescence intensity corresponds to the glucose concentration. The modified cell phone measures the glucose levels by scanning the sensor spot, and fluorescence readout is then transmitted to our developed app. Furthermore, information, such as weight, diet, excise, and mental health, are also recorded. With such information, the algorithm we developed in the app can interpret the personal data and finally generate a report that will be a significant reference in the precision diabetes therapy strategy. The app can also learn the user’s lifestyle and provide some suggestions, such as the number of calories in one meal and the type of exercise the people should do. Furthermore, we will have a social component in the app where users have the opportunity to interact with their friends and followers to learn their healthy activities such as physical exercises. We believe that reminding people to pay attention to their health and guiding them to a healthy lifestyle will be the most meaningful goal of our work.