Laser Diabetes Monitor Could Put An End To Finger Pricking

A new, noninvasive laser device could mean that diabetes patients will no longer have to prick their fingers to test blood sugar levels. The device is in the final stage of development at Britain's University of Leeds, developers say.

The research team claims the device will be able to check blood sugar levels within 30 seconds of making a contact with a sensor. The team hopes the device will soon provide an alternative to the traditional glucometers that require users to place a drop of blood on a test strip before results are analyzed by the machine.

The new laser technology is being developed by Professor Gin Jose and his team at the university's school of engineering. According to the developers, the device makes use of low-powered lasers to constantly monitor glucose levels. If the clinical trials are successful, the technology could open a whole new frontier in medical device engineering.

"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,” Jose said in a statement. "This will allow people to self-regulate and minimize emergency hospital treatment."

The research team further revealed that they plan to release two versions of the device. But clinical trials remain to see if the technology is safe and effective for people with diabetes.