Breathalyzer Device in the Works for Low Blood Sugar Detection

A new breathalyzer-type device that helps to detect the onset of hypoglycemia could be a future reality for diabetes patients.

Researchers from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis have been awarded a $738,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, which will help them develop the device.

“Existing technology tracks current blood sugar levels, but it doesn’t alert the patient to an upcoming hypoglycemic episode,” said study investigator Kody Varahramyan, professor of electrical and computer engineering.

Lower costs, better health

Left undetected, hypoglycemic episodes can lead to dangerous health outcomes and hospitalizations for diabetes patients. Researchers say the new technology will help improve health-monitoring options for people with the condition while also reducing health care costs.

The device's technology will be developed using certain odorants and diabetes alert dogs that can recognize the onset of hypoglycemia based on these odorants.

The three-year grant will fund research to develop a nanosensor that can be imported into a portable device.

"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," a press release on the study stated.

Source: IUPUI Newsroom
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