A glucose breathalyzer to improve self-management of diabetes mellitus

Priority: No

There are 30 million Americans who suffer from diabetes mellitus, a disease characterized by the inability to process glucose. The accumulation of glucose in the blood can result in hyperglycemia and the accompanying consequences of renal failure, heart disease, and loss of limb. Currently, patients must monitor their glucose levels via the painful process of finger pricking several times a day with a lancet to test blood with a glucose strip. A noninvasive solution is needed that matches the existing sensitivity and ease of glucose strips while eliminating the discomfort. Noninvasive monitoring can be accomplished by a glucose breathalyzer, where patients exhale into a device with a sensor that determines the patient’s glucose level. The sensor oxidizes the glucose in the condensed breath and generates a current proportional to the concentration of glucose. An amperometric circuit then interprets a voltage that is calibrated to blood glucose levels via a pre-determined current-to-glucose concentration calibration curve. The sensor registers significantly different currents at the micromolar level. By returning an accurate blood glucose reading painlessly, this device encourages responsible management of diabetes, where there are currently no noninvasive options. Improved patient self-care can lead to fewer instances of hyperglycemic complications.