The originators of this original method are researchers from South Korea. The device developed by them will not only facilitate the measurement of sugar in the body, but also relieve diabetics from stinging their fingers every day. The journal Science Advances informed about the idea of scientists.
Diabetes mellitus, especially type II, is diagnosed more and more frequently. In both types, the patient must measure the level of glucose in the blood. It involves drawing blood, which is painful and troublesome, but necessary – poorly treated diabetes inevitably leads to serious complications, such as damage to the heart and kidneys.
South Korean scientists from Seoul National University have developed an alternative way to assess glucose levels – sweat. It was not easy because sweat contains less glucose than blood, and components such as lactic acid can interfere with the measurement.
The solution was a set of sensors placed on a porous, flexible surface, attached to the skin. Graphene and a special gold mesh were used to create them.
Three sensors measure sugar levels, four measure acidity, and a humidity sensor measures the amount of sweat produced. The results are transferred to a portable computer that allows you to accurately determine your glucose level.
As shown in experiments with volunteers (pre- and post-meal glucose testing), the new method produces results that are consistent with traditional blood testing. One millionth liter (0,001 milliliter) of sweat is sufficient for measurement.
During studies on mice (in which diabetes was artificially induced), the sensor was also connected to a set of microscopic needles, automatically injecting the right dose of a typical drug for diabetics – metformin.
Before the technology goes to diabetics, it must be thoroughly tested. Treatment effectiveness depends on the accuracy and reliability of the measurement.