Novel sticky patch can monitor blood sugar in diabetics

London, April 10: Scientists have developed an adhesive patch, which can non- invasively monitor glucose levels in diabetics through the skin, potentially spelling an end for frequent painful fingerprick blood tests.

The patch does not pierce the skin, instead it draws glucose out from fluid between cells across hair follicles, which are individually accessed via an array of miniature sensors using a small electric current.

The glucose collects in tiny reservoirs and is measured, according to a study published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. Readings can be taken every 10 to 15 minutes over several hours.

Due to the design of the array of sensors and reservoirs, the patch does not require calibration with a blood sample — meaning that finger prick blood tests are unnecessary.

Researchers from the University of Bath in the UK hope that it can eventually become a low- cost, wearable sensor that sends regular, clinically relevant glucose measurements to the wearer’s phone or smartwatch wirelessly, alerting them when they may need to take action.

The advantage of this device is that each sensor of the array can operate on a small area over an individual hair follicle — this reduces variability in glucose extraction.

“A non- invasive — that is, needle- less — method to monitor blood sugar has proven a difficult goal to attain,” said Richard Guy, from the University of Bath.

“The closest that has been achieved has required either at least a single- point calibration with a classic ‘ fingerstick’, or the implantation of a pre- calibrated sensor via a single needle insertion,” said Guy.