Diabetes - New sensor measures blood sugar levels without taking blood
A new glove with electromagnetic sensors measures blood sugar levels as accurately as conventional blood draw tests. In the future, the results should be permanently transferred to a smartphone in order to warn diabetics of changes at an early stage.
Diabetics currently have to stick their fingers several times a day to check their blood sugar levels in order to get blood . The medicine already examined therefore for some time for new methods to eliminate the need for this unpleasant and repetitive procedure. Among other things, a contact lens was developed to measure the blood sugar concentration. However, none of the possible solutions is ready for the market.
Scientists American University of Beirut have now presented another non-invasive approach to determining blood sugar in the journal Science Advances . The team led by biomedical technician Jessica Hanna uses a combination of bendable sensors that can be integrated into clothing to permanently monitor changes in blood sugar. According to Hanna, "the sensors are more accurate and faster than previous devices."
Glove with a bracelet measures the blood sugar level:
To present their development, the researchers built a glove with a forearm bandage that contains flexible antennas as a prototype . These send out electromagnetic waves that penetrate the skin, muscles and fat layer to scan the underlying veins and arteries. The blood sugar level is determined by the fact that its concentration influences the electrical properties of the blood. Depending on the level of blood sugar, the electromagnetic waves reflected by the body differ in strength.
Blood sugar analysis possible in real time:
This measuring method is not new. So far, however, electromagnetic sensors have not been used to measure blood sugar because the results were too imprecise. The scientists have therefore changed the course of the antennas so that they run directly like the veins in the forearm and the palm of the hand. Compared to previous experiments, the accuracy of the results could be significantly increased.
In a clinical study with 21 healthy volunteers, the new system was able to analyze the blood sugar level in real time. This was proven by conventional sugar exposure tests, which were carried out in parallel to the electromagnetic blood sugar measurement.
Further studies are now to investigate whether the sensors in socks, necklaces or other items of clothing also provide accurate results. In practice, it should be used in conjunction with a smartphone that notifies the user of changes in blood sugar levels and records them for doctors. When the system will be launched is still unclear.
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