A graphene patch that monitors and possibly treats diabetes

(credit: Hui Won Yun, Seoul National University)

Diabetes is growing into a global public health crisis, one that places enormous economic burdens on many nations. Once thought of as a disease that typically strikes affluent adults, type 2 diabetes has quickly spread all over the world indifferent to socioeconomic status or age.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes requires patients to control their blood sugar levels through a mix of dietary restrictions and medication. Unfortunately, following the progress of these efforts is not as easy as it sounds. Glucose-monitoring devices available on the market typically require the user to obtain a small blood sample that can be read to quantify the level of the sugar. A minimally or non-invasive alternative would probably help many patients stay on top of their health.

Recently, a team of scientists have designed a flexible glucose-monitoring device that conforms to the skin and is barely visible. The device contains an array of sensors that are patterned onto gold-doped graphene and connected by a gold mesh. This both improves the electrochemical activity of graphene and enhances the biochemical sensitivity of the system.

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