Infrared ATR glucose measurement system (II)

Abstract

This involves a non-invasive glucose measurement device and a process for determining blood glucose level in the human body using the device. In typical operation, the glucose measurement device is self-normalizing in that it does not employ an independent reference sample in its operation. The device uses attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared spectroscopy. Preferably, the device is used on a fingertip and compares two specific regions of a measured infrared spectrum to determine the blood glucose level of the user. Clearly, this device is especially suitable for monitoring glucose levels in the human body, and is especially beneficial to users having diabetes mellitus. The device and procedure may be used for other analyte materials which exhibit unique mid-IR signatures of the type described herein and that are found in appropriate regions of the outer skin.

We claim as our invention:  
     
         1 . An analyte level measurement device comprising: 
 a.) an infrared source for emitting an IR beam into an ATR plate, said IR beam having components at least in the region of a referencing wavelength and a measuring wavelength,    b.) said ATR plate having a measurement surface for contact with said human skin surface and for directing said IR beam against said human skin surface, and    c.) at least two IR sensors for simultaneously measuring absorbance of at least said referencing wavelength and said measuring wavelength.