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Researchers to develop breathalyzer-type device to detect low blood sugar
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Researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis plan to develop a breathalyzer-type device to detect the onset of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes, according to a university press release.
The National Science Foundation awarded a 3-year, $738,000 grant to the university to fund the project, which includes developing a nanosensor array to detect odorants produced in human breath by specific volatile organic compounds created during the metabolic processes that lead to hypoglycemia.
"Existing technology tracks current blood sugar levels, but it doesn't alert the patient to an upcoming hypoglycemic episode," Kody Varahramyan, PhD, vice chancellor for research and professor of electrical and computer engineering at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, said in a statement.
The nanosensor array will be incorporated into a portable smart device that can transmit health information to the person with diabetes, their caregivers and family members.
"Researchers will identify the signature odorants, which are unknown to the medical community, using breath samples collected from patients," Mangilal Agarwal, PhD, director of the Integrated Nanosystems Development Institute and associate director of research development in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, said in a statement.
The odorants will be verified with diabetes alert dogs that recognize the onset of hypoglycemia. Patients would blow into the small device, whose sensor system would then communicate the patient's hypoglycemic status, along with tracking information that provides a historical summary.
The research is expected to improve health monitoring options for people with diabetes and decrease their health care costs, university officials said.