BYE FAT
In this project, the aim was to develop a sensor for continuous measurement of acetone from the skin. Acetone is a residue of fat-burning and as such provides real time feedback of fat-metabolism or early detection of diabetic ketoacidosis. The study was performed with a consortium between a university (Saxion), enterprises (Alb. Van Gool R&D, QAEH, Lionix International, All Round Technology and Linetec), Hospitals (University Medical Center Groningen and Medical Spectre Twente) and patient and user associations (Diabetesvereniging Nederland and Bas van de Goor Foundation).
In diabetic patients, ketoacidosis is a serious and life-threatening condition. In 2018, in the
Netherlands 100,000 cases of diabetes type 1 were reported. Monitoring fat-metabolism is of great importance in obese patients and in diabetic patients to prevent from respectively metabolic disorders or ketoacidosis. The sensor aims to guide healthcare professionals and patients by accurately monitoring fat-metabolism and motivates to live an active lifestyle.
This project had three main aims:
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To develop the sensor from alpha version to minimal viable product, by improving the sensor and reducing the size to a suitable wearable format.
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To study effect of physical activity on acetone secretion in order to be able to relate the sensor readout to the level of physical exercise.
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To create an interface and study feasibility and usability with target group.
During this project, we found that sensor was currently not able to detect acetone in the concentrations that were needed to continuously measure acetone for fat burning. New sensor layers and hard- and software developments are needed that could not be developed within the timeframe of this project. The project was ended prematurely.
