University of Florida engineers have designed and tested a sensor that can measure the glucose levels of diabetics from breath. Sensor test results reverse the belief that glucose levels in the breath are too small for accurate measurement. The new technology works because it uses a signal amplifying semiconductor that boosts the data to readable levels.
The diabetes breathalyzer may replace finger-pricking tests. "Instead of poking your finger to get the blood, you can just breathe into it and measure the glucose in the breath condensate," said Fan Ren, Professor of Chemical Engineering.
Diabetes Breathalyzers
Sensor Technology Can Measure Glucose Levels from Exhaled Breath
Trend Themes
1. Glucose Monitoring Technology - The development of sensor technology to measure glucose levels from exhaled breath presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in glucose monitoring devices and healthcare.
2. Non-invasive Testing - The ability to measure glucose levels without the need for finger-pricking tests opens up possibilities for non-invasive testing methods and healthcare advancements.
3. Signal Amplifying Semiconductor - The use of a signal amplifying semiconductor in the diabetes breathalyzer technology highlights the potential for disruptive innovations in semiconductor devices and medical diagnostics.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The development of diabetes breathalyzers presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the medical devices industry, specifically in glucose monitoring devices.
2. Healthcare - The non-invasive nature of glucose measurement through breathalyzer technology has the potential to disrupt healthcare practices and improve patient experience.
3. Semiconductor - The utilization of a signal amplifying semiconductor in the diabetes breathalyzer technology indicates the possibility of disruption in the semiconductor industry, particularly in medical diagnostic devices.