Method, system and computer program product for real-time detection of sensitivity decline in analyte sensors

A system for detecting signal attenuation comprising:

• an analyte sensor for positioning under a skin surface in fluid contact with bodily fluid;
• and
• a data processing device comprising a memory, wherein the data processing device is operatively coupled to the analyte sensor, the data processing device configured to receive a first plurality of analyte sensor related signals from the analyte sensor within a first predetermined time period determined within the first 24 hours of analyte sensor positioning under the skin surface,
• wherein a computer program is stored on the memory such that, when executed, the computer program causes the data processing device:
• to determine a probability of signal attenuation associated with the analyte sensor based at least in part on the first plurality of analyte sensor related signals,
• to determine a sensitivity of the analyte sensor based on a second plurality of analyte sensor related signals from the analyte sensor and a reference analyte measurement, the reference analyte measurement comprising a finger stick measurement of a blood analyte level,
• to determine a sensitivity ratio based on the determined sensitivity of the analyte sensor divided by a nominal sensitivity determined prior to analyte sensor positioning, the nominal sensitivity comprising a sensitivity value of the analyte sensor at the time of manufacture, and
• to verify a presence of signal attenuation associated with a decline in analyte sensor sensitivity when the determined sensitivity ratio is less than a first predetermined signal attenuation threshold level.