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Scientists plan to replace the standard blood sugar test with a tattoo in the future
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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People who need to regularly check their blood sugar levels will agree that this is an unpleasant task. Experts from the University of California suggest replacing the usual testing procedure with a temporary tattoo. Scientists have developed a prototype of a new system based on flexible electronics. The new device for measuring blood consists of two electrodes printed on paper. The image is applied to the human body, then a weak electric current is applied to it for 10 minutes. As a result, sodium ions, which are present in the intercellular substance, are attracted to the electrodes, and sugar molecules are attracted to the electrodes along with the sodium ions.
Sugar molecules create an electrical charge, the level of which is used by a particularly sensitive sensor to determine the amount of sugar in the body.
The new sugar detection device has already been tested on seven volunteers of both sexes aged 20 to 40. The sensor's effectiveness was tested after the test participants were given high-calorie drinks and foods.
As a result, scientists noted that the sensitivity of the tattoo is the same as a standard blood sugar test. However, at this stage, it is impossible to independently determine the sugar level, since a special reading device has not been created. The developers plan that information from the sensor will be transmitted to a smartphone using Bluetooth.
In addition, specialists intend to make the sensor's service life as long as possible, and the cost of this device will be relatively low. Now, using the sensor, you can conduct a variety of studies.
For example, scientists want to study the food preferences of the participants and identify possible risk factors for the development of diabetes and methods of preventing this disease.
Also, the new sensor, in addition to sugar, can measure other indicators, such as protein products, lactic acid. It is quite possible that this sensor will be used in the future to determine the concentration of alcohol or drugs in the body.
Another research team from Hiroshima University has developed a new device that can measure heartbeats.
The sensor uses a special oscillator that amplifies the weak vibrations that are transmitted from the heartbeat to the bones and muscles.
The sensor is wrapped in a two-centimeter layer of polyester, which will help filter out high-frequency noise, such as noise from machines or human voices.
The signals captured by the oscillator are converted into heart sounds by means of a microphone. The result is the same information as a standard electrocardiogram. The peculiarity of the new system is that the device is not attached to the body. The new device can be attached, for example, to car seats, which, according to the developers, will help prevent accidents that occur due to drowsiness or heart attacks of drivers.
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