Feb 28, 2009 2:30 pm US/Eastern
Tattoos Offer Diabetics Needle-Free Glucose Check
Tattoo Sensor Gives Relief To Diabetics
BOSTON (CBS) ―
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Scientists at Draper Laboratory in Cambridge have now developed tiny nanosensors that can actually measure changed in blood sugar levels.
WBZ
For years, millions of diabetics have used needles to test their blood sugar levels.
But now a company in Boston is working on a possible needle-free alternative, reports CBS station WBZ-TV.
Seven-year-old Cade Poirier has diabetes so he has to do finger-pricks like this to check his glucose levels several times a day.
Cade explains, "It tells you what your blood sugar is, it's pretty important."
Cade's mother, Kara Poirier says, "It's really hard. Some days are worse than others."
But that could soon be changing.
Scientists at Draper Laboratory in Cambridge have now developed tiny nanosensors that can actually measure changed in blood sugar levels.
Heather Clark of Draper Laboratory explains, "It changes from yellow to purple depending on how much glucose is present around it. It shines brightly when there's no glucose."
Researchers are now working on a way to embed those nanosensors in the skin like a tattoo, so diabetics would be able to monitor their blood sugar levels just by looking at their skin.
Clark explains, "It would be amazing -- humbling to take something so small in the lab that could change everything."
Kara Poirier agrees, "That would be awesome, it would eliminate need for so many sticks.. It would give you a heads up between checks."
Scientists will begin testing the nanosensors on mice. They say if all goes well, patients could be actually using them in the next five to 10 years.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
CBS News Interactive: Healthwatch
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