Leeds University tests new 'blood glucose sensor' for diabetes patients

Leeds University engineers are testing a new laser sensor for diabetes patients that monitors blood glucose levels without penetrating the skin.

The technology which could transform the lives of millions of people living with diabetes is developed by Professor Gin Jose and a team in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Leeds.

At the moment many people with diabetes can only measure their blood glucose levels by pricking their fingers, squeezing drops of blood onto test strips, and processing the results with portable glucometers.

The new technology uses a small device with low-powered lasers to measure blood glucose levels without penetrating the skin.

Engineers say it could give people a simpler, pain-free alternative to finger pricking.

It could also provide a simpler and cheaper alternative to both of the current methods – finger pricking, which uses disposable sample strips, or invasive continuous monitors, which use implanted sensors that need regular replacement.