AUSSIE EXPERTS DEVELOP PAIN-FREE BLOOD SUGAR TEST

SYDNEY—Australian scientists say they have developed the “holy grail” of blood sugar testing for diabetics, a noninvasive strip that checks glucose levels via saliva.

For diabetics, managing their blood sugar levels typically means pricking their fingers many times a day and placing a drop of blood on a testing strip. Some diabetes sufferers avoid the painful process by minimizing their tests.

This latest test works by embedding an enzyme that detects glucose into a transistor that can then transmit the presence of glucose, according to Paul Dastoor, professor of Physics at the University of Newcastle in Australia, who led the development.

Since the electronic materials in the transistor are inks, the test can be made through printing at a low cost, Dastoor said.

“The holy grail of glucose testing has been something that is noninvasive,” said Dastoor.

“[This test] really does open up the prospect of pain-free, low-cost glucose testing and hopefully much better outcomes for diabetes sufferers,” he said.

The new test, Dastoor said, was created by chance as scientists were working on solar cells.

The project secured A$6.3 million ($4.7 million) in funding from the Australian government.