New device may eliminate finger-prick in blood glucose testing

A new monitor may allow patients with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels without a finger prick, according to a press release.

The technology, developed by a team in the faculty of engineering at the University of Leeds in the U.K., would use lasers to measure blood glucose levels without penetrating skin.

“Unlike the traditional method, this new non-invasive technology can constantly monitor blood glucose levels,” Gin Jose, PhD, MSc, of the University of Leeds, said in press release. “As well as being a replacement for finger-prick testing, this technology opens up the potential for people with diabetes to receive continuous readings, meaning they are instantly alerted when intervention is needed. This will allow people to self-regulate and minimize emergency hospital treatment. This wearable device would then be just one step from a product which sends alerts to smart phones or readings directly to doctors, allowing them to profile how a person is managing their diabetes over time.”

The new technology will use glass with ions that fluoresce in infrared light after a low-power laser hits. The signal will vary after contact with skin depending on the concentration of glucose in the blood. The process would take about 30 seconds.

“The glass used in our sensors is hardwearing, acting in a similar way as that used in smartphones,” Jose said. “Because of this our device is more affordable, with lower running costs than the existing self-monitoring systems. Currently, we are piloting a bench-top version in our clinical investigations but aim to develop two types of devices for the market. One will be a finger-touch device similar to a computer mouse. The other will be a wearable version for continuous monitoring.”

Pilot study results have revealed that the new monitor may perform as well as conventional technologies; however, more trials are needed for regulatory approvals and before the device can go to market.

“Noninvasive monitoring will be particularly valuable in young people with type 1 diabetes,” Peter Grant, MD, MBChB, FRCP, FESC, of the University of Leeds, said in the release. “Within this group, those who are attempting very tight control, such as young women going through pregnancy or people who are experiencing recurrent hypocalcemia, could find this technology very useful.”