Hi–tech diabetes aid

A hi-tech diabetes blood glucose monitor is being developed in Wales that will send a text alert to emergency personnel if the patient is in danger of having a hypo.

Scientists from Swansea University are collaborating with a number of Welsh technology companies and bringing their combined expertise in areas ranging from nanoelectronics and e-health technologies to develop the next generation blood glucose-monitoring sensor.

The project will involve the expertise and state-of-the-art facilities from the Centre for Nanohealth and e-health Industries Innovation Centre at Swansea University.

The £470,000 research project is backed by the Welsh Government’s EU funded Academic Expertise for Business (A4B) programme which promotes industrial collaboration to help turn research into commercial viable products, processes and services.

Dr Vincent Teng, a nanoelectronics expert from Swansea University’s College of Engineering, is leading the project and says, “A multi-functional monitoring system is important to manage the glucose level of diabetic patients and to provide warning when the patient is unconscious.”

It will also differ from the majority of products on the market, as the process is non-invasive and pain free. The blood sample is collected via an array of micro-needles – measuring less than 1mm from the dermal layer of the skin – which has fewer nerve endings.

The prototype is to be developed over the next two years and will have the capability to be adapted for other chronic conditions, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer and asthma etc.

 

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