Glucosense takes blood out of diabetes

Glucosense Diagnostics, a new spinout from Leeds University, is offering relief to diabetics with a device that can measure blood glucose levels without drawing blood.

The laser-based technology, which is being developed with support from healthcare investor NetScientific, could potentially change the lives of the millions living with the condition by offering a pain-free and effective alternative to the daily routine of having to draw blood from a finger to test glucose levels.

Gin Jose, a Leeds professor who led the development of the technology, said: “Unlike the traditional method, this new non-invasive technology can constantly monitor blood glucose levels. As well as being a replacement for finger-prick testing, this technology opens up the potential for people with diabetes to receive continuous readings, meaning they are instantly alerted when intervention is needed. This will allow people to self-regulate and minimise emergency hospital treatment. This wearable device would then be just one step from a product which sends alerts to smart phones or readings directly to doctors, allowing them to profile how a person is managing their diabetes over time.”