Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Teresa L. Slough / Teresa L. Slough / There is increasing interest in the use of point-of-care glucometers to monitor glucose concentrations in horses with metabolic disorders. The first study reported herein compared equine glucose concentrations obtained by a handheld glucometer using whole blood or plasma, a YSI 2300 bench top glucose analyzer using whole blood or plasma, and a SEVEN continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that measured glucose in interstitial fluid to readings obtained by a standard laboratory glucose analyzer utilizing plasma. In addition, glucose concentrations obtained by the CGM were compared to those obtained by the handheld glucometer using whole blood or plasma. Post-prandial increases and decreases in glucose concentrations were detected utilizing all glucometers tested. When glucose measurements obtained with the CGM in interstitial fluid were compared to glucose measured using the handheld glucometer in plasma or whole blood, glucose measurements from plasma had better reproducibility. Although the CGM could be a useful instrument for collecting nearly continuous data for the researcher and clinician, there are technical difficulties related to the CGM that must first be overcome. The second study was designed to compare the effects of consuming a twice-daily meal of sweet feed (SF) to ad libitum access to a molasses-based block (BL) supplement on patterns of interstitial glucose concentrations in horses. A novelty effect of the BL was observed, in which horses consumed increased quantities in the first 12 h. Treatments had no effect on intake of forage in this study. The range and means of glucose values were similar between treatments, and significant glucose responses to treatments had lag times that were indirectly similar, even though molasses intake was greater for horses on BL. Variability between horses was noted in quantity of BL consumed as well as timing and magnitude of glucose responses. Based on the results of this experiment, there does not appear to be a clear advantage to either treatment, SF or BL, in attenuating post-prandial glucose increases or in minimizing glucose fluctuations in the horse.

Goal of my master´s thesis is examination of non-invasive blood glucose measurement methods, and designing of device for non-invasive blood glucose reading. The introductory chapter of thesis contains description of know different methods for blood glucose measurement, mainly Near Infra-Red region (NIR) measurement with spectroscopy methods. This project describes pathology of Diabetes Mellitus, specifies how it is divided, and looks also on human metabolism. The theoretical part contains exploration of blood glucose measurement methods. Thesis continues with system scheme design for non/invasive glucose measurement device, based on present knowledge. Major principle of device is measuring with Infra-Red laser, bifurcate optic fiber and photodiode. Design of printed circuit board is also present. Document contains also designs of software diagrams for calibration and processing program written in C# language. Communication between device and computer is made via USB. Microcontroller with C language program is part of designed device. It is used to send measured values into PC and also receives data from computer. This data determines blood glucose concentration and their thresholds.

Объектом исследования являлась глюкоза. Актуальность работы заключается в практическом применении бесферментных электрохимических сенсоров для контроля уровня глюкозы в крови при сахарном диабете. Цель работы: разработка бесферментного электрохимического сенсора для определения глюкозы с использованием органических комплексов никеля (II), в качестве чувствительных элементов, и самоорганизующихся слоев полимера с молекулярными отпечатками на основе полиэтиленимина, в качестве селективного элемента. Комплекс ацетилацетонат никеля (II) проявляет электрокаталитические свойства. С помощью полученного сенсора были проведены измерения глюкозы в модельных растворах, имитирующих сыворотку крови. Было выявлено отсутствие влияния посторонних соединений. Полученные ПМО обладают селективностью. Страниц 59, рисунков 47, таблиц 3, библиографических наименований 61. / The object of the study was glucose. The relevance of the work lies in the practical application of enzyme-free electrochemical sensors to control blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus. Objective: to develop an enzyme-free electrochemical sensor for glucose determination using organic nickel (II) complexes, as sensitive elements, and self-assembled polymer layers with molecular prints based on polyethyleneimine, as a selective element. The nickel (II) acetylacetonate complex exhibits electrocatalytic properties. Using the obtained sensor, glucose was measured in model solutions simulating blood serum. It was revealed the absence of the influence of extraneous compounds. The resulting MIPs have selectivity.