Scientists at University of Newcastle in Australia have successfully developed a non-invasive, printable saliva test strip for diabetics to check glucose levels. In contrary to the current needle-based test, this discovery brings a pain free method for blood sugar testing of diabetes patients. 

Several patients do not tend to test as often as they ideally should for the monitoring and maintenance of their blood sugar levels in order to avoid the painful process for testing. This new technology can potentially yield better results for the diabetics.

How does the strip work?

This non-invasive strip checks glucose levels in saliva by embedding an enzyme that detects glucose into the transistor. The transistor can then transmit the presence of glucose.

What is the challenge in front of the scientists now?

The saliva contains glucose that follows the glucose concentration in blood. However, it is around 100 times lower in concentration as compared to blood. This brings a new challenge in front of the scientists to develop a test with much higher sensitivity than the standard test that can be easily manufactured with low production cost.