A Simple Method for Continuous Glucose Measurement in Mice

The ability to measure glucose levels in freely behaving mice is important for basic research. Here we present a simple method to implant a commercially available FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor (CGM) device on the backs of the mice at a relatively low cost - the cost of the device itself. The CGM device is attached to the mice in a short (15minutes) surgical procedure in which the sensor is manually inserted under the skin of the mouse, and the rest of the CGM is sutured rather than glued to the skin of the mouse. The device functions for several days, up to two weeks, in which the mice move and feed freely. Mouse handling after the surgery is minimal, as data collection does not require any handling of the mouse and is done from outside the cage by a commercial receiver. Data analysis is demonstrated by comparing glycemia of wild-type and somatostatin knockout mice fed with a high-fat high-sucrose diet. The methodology can be easily adapted to other CGM devices.