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Microscopic Sensor Monitors Glucose Levels

Posted: Sunday, November 07, 2004

Microscopic sensor under skin changes colors according to blood glucose levels, no monitor required.
Colors in the tiny sensor, which is smaller than a pencil tip, gradually change from orange (low glucose levels) to green and then to dark blue as levels increase.

A darker blue signifies the highest glucose level that can occur in diabetics. "Many diabetics could greatly benefit from this technology, freeing them from having to take samples from their fingers several times a day to monitor blood sugar levels," Miklos Gratzl said, a Case Western Reserve University biomedical engineer. "The monitor could also help doctors with close monitoring of electrolytes, metabolites and other vital biochemicals in the body, primarily those of critically ill patients."

The sensor is one to two millimeters long and 100 to 200 micrometers wide. Colors in the tiny sensor, which is smaller than the tip of a pencil, gradually change from orange (low glucose levels) to green and then to dark blue as levels increase. A deep, darker blue signifies the highest glucose level that can occur in diabetics. The device penetrates the skin easily and painlessly so users may insert or reinsert it themselves for several days of operation.

It can be monitored by eyesight and by electronic telemetry using a watch like device worn by the person for data processing. Sensing itself does not require a battery, or the collection of blood samples, and needs very little energy if a witchlike signal processor is used. With no wires across the skin, there is no deterioration of the skin surface or other areas inside the skin and no danger of track infection. The device also is advantageous because no electrical currents are going through the body.

Gratzl says lab testing and in vivo testing of the sensor in laboratory animals has been going well. He also reports the sliver sensor could be ready for human testing within six months. Gratzl says the sensor could be ready for human testing in six months.

"So far, the sensor is performing beyond expectation in preliminary laboratory tests," Gratzl said. "Over the years, there has been a lack of good, quality devices for diabetics to monitor glucose – something they must do every day of their lives – devices that are reliable, relatively low-cost and minimally invasive."

Source: Diabetes In Control.com: