Scientists have developed contact lenses that determine the level of glucose
Last reviewed: 27.11.2021
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Patients suffering from type 1 diabetes will very soon be able to determine the sugar content in the body and coordinate the function of insulin pumps using a special sensory device built into contact lenses.
The built-in sensory device will be able to continuously determine the level of glucose in the patient's lacrimal discharge. A new technological method was developed by specialists from the American University of Oregon.
For their development, design engineers used a sugar level meter for a non-invasive glucometric test based on amorphous gallium transistors. This touch device has a unique property: it is absolutely transparent. The sensor is easily connected to an external monitor or an insulin pump. This makes it possible to observe the level of sugar in the body without resorting to injections or skin punctures.
Full transparency of the device is an undoubted plus. Developers have only to think about how to integrate electronics into contact lenses, and how to transfer information.
The experts-founders of the new technology express the hope that the listed technical problems will be solved over the next several years. After all, the very idea is very original and practical. The vast majority of patients with diabetes would clearly prefer such a method of controlling the level of sugar to ordinary household glucometers.
"We have absolutely transparent sensory devices in front of us - and they perfectly cope with their task. This is the main point, "comments Greg Herman, a doctor of the chemical engineering division of OSU. "To date, our goal is to find a solution to the problem of introducing and establishing a connection between the device and contact lenses. If we successfully solve the problem, effective replacement of glucometer meters will be ready. "
If a person is faced with a disease such as diabetes mellitus, then it is extremely important for him to constantly control the level of sugar: any significant fluctuation of glucose can lead to deterioration of well-being and development of unpleasant consequences. Therefore, the use of a glucometer for most patients has become a vital necessity.
Many experts recommend that even healthy people measure blood glucose at least once a year. Controlling this level, any person can adjust it if necessary, preventing serious complications.
In our time, there are many methods for measuring the sugar level. Of course, the smaller and more portable the glucometer, the more convenient it is to use. After all, the content of glucose is often necessary to control not only at home, but also in the workplace or while traveling. For this reason, the built-in sensors would be just right. Perhaps, thanks to them, there would be an opportunity to reduce the rates of development of adverse effects in diabetic patients.
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