Chemical sensors –

Definition: A chemical sensor is a device that transforms chemical information, ranging from the
concentration of a specific sample component to total composition analysis, into an analytically useful
signal. The chemical information, mentioned above, may originate from a chemical reaction of the
analyte or from a physical property of the system investigated.

In addition, it can also be classified into many types such as electrochemical, mass, optical, magnetic,
and thermal sensors depending upon their working principle, regarding this, Chemical sensors can also
be classified into various categories depending upon the object that has to be analyzed such as gas, ion,
humidity, and biosensors. These sensors are further categorized into many types depending upon the
working principle.

One of the types of chemical sensor is called a biosensor, where one of the most common uses of it
involves people with diabetes. And this biosensor is called the CGM system or Continuous Glucose
Monitoring system, where it helps people with diabetes or with low sugar levels to monitor their blood
and insulin level.

Working Principle

A CGM works through a tiny sensor inserted under your skin, usually on your belly or arm. The sensor
measures your interstitial glucose level, which is the glucose found in the fluid between the cells. The
sensor tests glucose every few minutes. A transmitter wirelessly sends the information to a monitor. The
monitor may be part of an insulin pump or a separate device, which you might carry in a pocket or
purse. Some CGMs send information directly to a smartphone or tablet
Block Diagram (CGM system):

System requirements

 Sensor: The sensor is a very thin wire or filament, inserted with the aid of a needle under your
skin. A sensor is typically applied on your abdomen, the back of your arm, or other locations
depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
 Transmitter: The transmitter acts as the middleman between the sensor and the receiver. It
attaches to the top of the area where the sensor was inserted. From there, it’s able to wirelessly
send information to the receiver through radio waves. Some transmitters are rechargeable,
while others do not require charging but need to be replaced every few months.
 Receiver/Monitor: The receiver’s job is to receive and display the information from the
sensor. It has a screen where you can check your current glucose levels and view past
readings. The receiver can also send you warnings if your glucose levels are too high or
low, deliver status messages, and display trend information to help you understand how
much your glucose level is going up or down over time.

Creator

Medtronic Diabetes, Northridge, CA

References

Steven J. Russell, MD, PhD, Continuous Glucose Monitoring(June 2017) Harvard Medical.
School, Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-
diabetes/continuous-glucose-monitoring#:~:text=activity%2C%20and%20medicines.-,How%20does
%20a%20continuous%20glucose%20monitor%20(CGM)%20work%3F,tests%20glucose%20every%20few
%20minutes.

Agamatrix.(n.d)Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring. Retrieved from

https://agamatrix.com/blog/glucose-sensors/#:~:text=A%20continuous%20glucose%20monitor
%20(CGM,levels%2024%20hours%20a%20day