Researchers from the State University of New York at Binghamton have developed a non-invasive paper-based sensor patch, capable of measuring blood glucose levels for diabetic patients.

Measuring glucose levels usually involves taking blood or conventional glucoses sensor, which are often inaccurate when the user is sweating during exercise.

"This is because 1. the underlying process relies on invasive and inconvenient blood sampling, causing the possibility of sample contamination and skin irritation with sweat containing various electrolytes and proteins; 2. the method needs patients to carry many accessories during physical activity, including lancets, alcohol swabs and a relatively large glucometer; and 3. the technique requires a sophisticated electrochemical sensing technique and sufficient electrical energy, which makes the technique difficult to be fully integrated in a compact and portable fashion," said Seokheun Choi, an assistant professor of electrical and computer science at Binghamton University.

The paper-based sensor patch is a single-use device that attaches directly to the skin where it collects sweat in reservoirs converting chemical energy into electrical energy to monitor glucose levels. By providing readings in real-time, the patch can detect potentially dangerous changes in glucose levels during exercise.

"The sensing platform holds considerable promise for efficient diabetes management, and a fully integrated system with a simple readout can be realized toward continuous non-invasive glucose monitoring," said Choi and colleagues.