Researchers At Leeds University Create 'Unique' Diabetes Monitor

Since the mid-1990s the number of Type-2 sufferers of diabetes has climbed from 1.4m to 3.7m

Published 15th Jul 2015

Scientists have come up with a new laser sensor which can monitor blood sugar levels without breaking the skin. It could spell an end to daily finger pricking for people with Type 1 diabetes. The small device has with low-powered lasers to measure blood glucose levels without penetrating the skin. At the heart of the new technology is a piece of nano-engineered silica glass and it's hoped the device would be wearable.

Peter Grant is a Professor of Medicine and Consultant Diabetologist in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Leeds

He says it has the 'unique' quality of offering laser therapy which is non-invasive.

“This allows you to use it at any time of day – you don’t have to be attached to it. You can put your finger on it and monitor your blood glucose at any time of day. It will be a time before it comes to market but I’d emphasise the value to the diabetes patient of not having to have something that’s invasive. People with diabetes carry many burdens of diabetes and this is just one small advantage – but you add up all the small advantages and you get much better care. “

Katy Dunstone has diabetes - and has been taking part in a pilot study in Leeds testing the equipment.

“I think it’ll definitely improve the amount you can test. With the current testing, it’s like you’re driving on a road and you can only see a little bit at a time but being able to have a more accessible monitor means that you’re able to have more control and it’ll better many people’s lives in that way.”

People with diabetes are also being encouraged to get their feet checked at least once a year.

It’s as a record number of amputations linked to the disease are being carried out in England –around 135 procedures a week. A charity says 80 per cent of those could be prevented though with the check. Professor Grant has carried out extensive research into the condition.

“I think empowerment of patients is the most crucial issue. They need to know their blood levels, cholesterol levels as well as their glucose and they need to ask the healthcare workers who look after them about the management of those risk factors and they need to have their feet tested regularly to make sure there’s no evidence of early changes.”