Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for non-invasively determining glucose levels in a fluid of a subject, typically the blood glucose level. The impedance of skin tissue is measured and the measurement is used with impedance measurements previously correlated with directly determined glucose levels to determine the glucose level from the newly measured impedance. It is thus possible, to routinely non-invasively determine fluid glucose levels.

Abstract: Method for non-invasively determining glucose level in fluid of subject, typically blood glucose level. A particular device is mounted on the skin of the patient for a fixed period of time. The device is mounted on the skin such that a substrate such as paper or gel or an aqueous glucose solution carried by the device are in contact with the patient's skin. Water and/or glucose migrates between the substrate or the aqueous glucose solution of the device. The degree of migration of the substance in question is monitored, for example the amount of glucose remaining in an aqueous solution of the device is measured at the end of the fixed period. This can be done by a conventional or other spectrophotometric method, for example. The glucose level is determined based on the degree of migration of the migrating substance. That is, the degree of migration is correlated with previously determined fluid glucose levels based on directly measured fluid glucose levels.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a topical analgesic composition comprising an analgesic agent, an alcohol, a chaotropic agent and an unsaturated fatty acid. The composition is preferably in the form of a stable gel and may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable emulsifier, a pharmaceutically acceptable gelling and/or thickening agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable preservative. The pH of the composition is adjusted to 7.5-8.0 by the addition of a pharmaceutically acceptable organic base, such as triethanolamine.The invention also comprises a method for inducing topical analgesia. The composition is absorbed on an absorbent material, for example a cotton strip inserted into typical skin-wipe packet; brought in contact with the skin of a person in need of such an analgesia; and maintained in contact with the skin for a period of time sufficient to induce and maintain topical analgesia.