Noninvasive Monitoring of Glycemia Level in Diabetic Patients by Wearable Advanced Biosensors

Abstract

We report on the possibility of noninvasive diabetes monitoring through continuous analysis of sweat. The prediction of the blood glucose level in diabetic patients is possible on the basis of their sweat glucose content due to the positive correlation discovered. The ratio between the blood glucose and sweat glucose concentrations for a certain diabetic subject is stable within weeks, excluding requirements for frequent blood probing. The glucose variations in sweat display allometric (non-linear) dependence on those in blood, allowing more precise blood glucose estimation. Selective (avoiding false-positive responses) and sensitive (sweat glucose is on average 30–50 times lower) detection is possible with biosensors based on the glucose oxidase enzyme coupled with a Prussian Blue transducer. Reliable glucose detection in just secreted sweat would allow noninvasive monitoring of the glycemia level in diabetic patients.