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The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has introduced an innovative and affordable glucose-monitoring device that could make diabetes management far easier. Equipped with a modular system and microneedle sensors, the device aims to eliminate the need for finger-prick blood tests, offering a painless and convenient alternative for millions of people.

Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health concerns globally, and India is among the worst affected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Poor diet, obesity, stress, lack of physical activity, and erratic lifestyle patterns have led to a rapid rise in diabetes and prediabetes cases — even among children. Uncontrolled blood sugar can damage vital organs over time, making regular monitoring critical.

How the IIT Madras wearable device works
Unlike traditional glucose meters that require blood samples, the IIT Madras device uses a wearable microneedle patch applied to the skin. The microneedles are extremely fine and lightly penetrate the upper skin layer without causing pain. Instead of drawing blood, they measure glucose from the interstitial fluid beneath the skin — a fluid whose glucose readings are nearly as accurate as blood glucose.

The system consists of two main components:

• A disposable microneedle patch
• An electronic unit that reads data from the patch

The electronic module displays glucose levels directly on a low-power screen built into the device, removing the need for a smartphone app or Bluetooth connectivity. This allows for continuous glucose monitoring throughout the day, making it especially useful for people with diabetes who need to track fluctuations regularly.

The device has not yet been given an official name and is currently referred to as a wearable glucose monitoring device or simply a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system.

Understanding sugar levels
Normal fasting glucose levels range between 70–99 mg/dL.
Levels above 126 mg/dL indicate hyperglycemia (high sugar), while levels below 70 mg/dL indicate hypoglycemia (low sugar). High sugar can cause fatigue, excessive thirst, hunger, and weight loss. Low sugar may lead to sweating, dizziness, weakness, and in severe cases, fainting.

Tips for maintaining healthy sugar levels

• Walk or exercise for 30–40 minutes daily
• Reduce sugar, refined flour, and fried foods
• Stay hydrated and get adequate sleep
• Add more fiber, salads, and green vegetables to your diet
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
• Monitor your sugar levels regularly
• Take prescribed medications on time