A laser device measuring blood glucose levels created by DiaMonTech - a Berlin startup company

From bottleneck to breakthrough: upgrading DiaMonTech’s laser-based glucose monitoring device

## Background

Logo of a med-tech startup DiaMonTech that provides devices painlessly measuring blood glucose levels of patients with diabetes
We were asked to provide a programming team to conduct a project for an emerging med-tech startup, DiaMonTech. The project included collaborating with the hardware and research teams in creating a revolutionary laser-based medical device that increases the comfort of diabetes patients’ day-to-day lives.

## The Problem

The first generation of the medical device had fixed BOM. It was equipped with an industry-grade HMI panel with a touch screen. In addition, the number of ports was limited. The computing power was enough to run the basic operations but was not enough to extend the functionality and use neural networks on the device. The task was to squeeze as much as possible into the current device.

Furthermore, the company’s roadmap highlighted a need to implement the upcoming features. Consequently, the current hardware platform would have been a bottleneck for the project.

## The Solution

We proposed a hardware change, and the Client gave us a green light. After getting all the needed parts, we created a prototype in less than a week. The prototype used a popular, low-cost single-board computer. After completion, we run a POC with highly satisfying results. The performance was a blast. Therefore, the Client accepted our proposal.

It is worth mentioning that the improved device served as a prototyping platform for two consecutive years, clinical study tests were run on it, and it is still being used.

## The Process

We kicked off by understanding the Client’s needs, plans, and vision. Afterward, we communicated with the on-site teams to establish communication processes. During the whole project, the team members were working remotely. However, in the case of milestone boot camps, the team rushed to the Client’s office.

Moreover, we held weekly Teams meetings with the other teams to establish our priorities and allocate resources. Additionally, we kept in touch with the CEO and consulted with him about our next steps to ensure that we were aligned with the company’s guidelines on time and within budget.

What is more, we also took part in preparing documents for regulatory purposes. In consequence, the software development processes had to fit the strict medical regulations.

## The Effect

Our hardware change decision led to:
  • main computing unit cost reduction by a factor of 8;
  • shortening the software update process by 80% (from 30 to a few minutes);
  • boosting computing power enough to run Neural Nets (including Machine Learning models), xgboost, and all the legacy algorithms;
  • increasing maximum sampling frequency 1.5x which improved device resolution;
  • a possibility to replicate the setup quickly, as a result, the devices without the expensive laser were built to run UI testing and rapid prototyping;
  • an update of the base OS allowing to use of the latest frameworks for Machine Learning;
  • the hardware fitting in the existing casting allowed for plugging a high-DPI touch screen;
  • increasing the number of available ports and GPIOs which allowed the rapid prototyping and extension of the device capabilities;
  • improved user experience.

## D-Base Project Resources

The D-Base project device, presented in the picture, is just the starting point for the Client. DiaMonTech plans to miniaturize the glucometer to fit a pocket so that every person with diabetes can take it with them wherever they go.
D-Base - a device painlessly measuring blood glucose levels of patients with diabetes, by DiaMonTech startup from Germany

Recommendations

I was impressed by the team’s clear communication and translation of requirements into specifications and tangible outcomes.
Sergius Janik - COO of DiaMonTech AG
Sergius Janik, COO
DiaMonTech AG
A team worth recommending – with only professional, committed and dependable people. Eager to give the client the best, complete product: from low level drivers to abstract models. /dev keeps deadlines and takes Client’s suggestions into consideration. If something is impossible, they will let you know and provide with alternative solutions. I’m completely satisfied with their services.
Thorsten Lubinski - CEO of DiaMonTech AG
Thorsten Lubinski, CEO
DiaMonTech AG

About the D-Base project

## Project Background

Although medicine has made astonishing progress in the last century, we are still far from curing a plethora of diseases or making some medical procedures, like blood tests, comfortable.

With this in mind, the DiaMonTech company developed D-Base – a device that painlessly measures blood sugar levels for patients with diabetes. Our role was to provide appropriate software and advise on some hardware matters to achieve the Client’s long-term goals.

## The Team

The project was handled by a 5-person team. With diverse skills encompassing both hardware and software, we were able to deliver the code under the exacting standards for medical devices.

## The Result

Our proposed changes brought the breakthrough the Client was looking for. The single-board computer resolved many problems as well as upcoming challenges making the device faster, flexible and cost-efficient.

Images source: diamontech.de

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