Real-time measurement of glucose as a proxy for levodopa concentration?

[johntPM]

Goud et al. write [1]:

"because dose optimization is currently based on patients’ report of symptoms, which are difficult for patients to describe, the management of PD is challenging. We report on a microneedle sensing platform for continuous minimally invasive orthogonal electrochemical monitoring of levodopa (L-Dopa)"

I have not found how we can get hold of this equipment.

But, as a possible way forward, I notice how cheap glucose monitors have become (about £10 on ebay). I see that these could be used in two different ways. First directly, to measure glucose levels throughout the levodopa cycle (typically about 3 to 4 hours from dose to dose). Secondly indirectly, given the suggested connection between glucose and levodopa [2], it may be possible to use glucose as a proxy for levodopa.

"Insulin resistance (IR) is a precursor to type-2 diabetes (T2D) – a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. First suggested in the 1960s, a growing number of studies are finding links between Parkinson's disease (PD) and T2D."

References

[1] "Wearable Electrochemical Microneedle Sensor for Continuous Monitoring of Levodopa: Toward Parkinson Management", K. Yugender Goud et al.

[2] parkinson.org/blog/science-....

John

[park_bear]

re: ""because dose optimization is currently based on patients’ report of symptoms, which are difficult for patients to describe"

In my experience dose optimization can only be done by the patient him or herself by careful experimentation . I find the idea that a neurologist can prescribe the optimum dose from a short visit every 6 months problematic.

[johntPM in reply to park_bear]

I agree with that for now. But, in the not too distant future, I see a world where multiple measurements are taken every second. And the results fed directly into the treatment immediately. Some diabetes treatments already go some way to doing that now.

[Love4ever1970]

Thankyou for the interesting information, at the moment I do not know what is happening, the specialists think they have made a mistake with my diagnosis and now I have M.S. Although i had the scans etc and got told I had Parkinism and my balance was not good. I guess these things happen. it is a case of watch this space and time will tell. I have to say Health unlocked has made me more aware of different types of Parkinsons and would like to thank you all for the information you have provided.😜