A team of South Korean scientists announced Tuesday that they have developed a wearable device, based on nanotechnology, to more conveniently monitor diabetes.

The graphene-using “smart patch” has improved the accuracy of blood sugar level measurements as it checks not only glucose in sweat but also temperature and acidity, according to the Institute for Basic Science. 


The patch is used on the skin, enabling patients to monitor glucose levels in a noninvasive way via microneedles and inject insulin in a painless and controlled delivery, according to the Center for Nanoparticle Research at the IBS.

The technology has been tested on mice in labs but clinical experiments on patients have yet to be done. More work is needed for more accurate measurements of glucose levels.

He added it would take at least a few years to commercialize the graphene-based patch, especially for drug delivery.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)