Bloodless glucose control

Researchers from the University of Bath (UK) have developed a skin patch that determines the level of glucose in the blood, using the intercellular fluid around the hair follicle. The intake of this liquid is made by creating a weak electric field. The glucose contained in it accumulates in special micro-reservoirs and is measured. Measurements can be made with a frequency of up to once every 10-15 minutes.

The patch consists of graphene – it is durable and flexible, has good conductivity, as well as inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

The advantage of the patch is its accuracy. This is due to the fact that the measurement is made by miniature sensors above each hair.

It can be wirelessly connected to a smartphone or smartwatch. Then the data of all measurements will be immediately sent to the gadget screen, signaling the need to take action if the glucose level is excessively high or low.

The patch was first tested on pigs. He showed the ability to accurately determine the glucose level in the range characteristic of diabetes mellitus.

In a study on healthy volunteers, he also demonstrated sufficient accuracy when working for one day.

The authors continue to work to improve the patch. In particular, the number of sensors on the patch is being specified, sufficient to monitor glucose levels continuously for 24 hours of wearing.

In conditions of a continuous increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus of the first and second types, the creation of a non-invasive way to control sugar levels will help to avoid the development of complications and life-threatening conditions.

Article by L. Lipani et al. Non-invasive, transdermal, path-selective and specific glucose monitoring via a graphene-based platform is published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the University of Bath: Bloodless revolution in diabetes monitoring.