A sensor developed at Baylor University could provide diabetics with a less painful way of checking blood sugar levels. This sensor uses electromagnetic waves to measure blood glucose levels in the body. To monitor their blood sugar level, patients must press a thumb against the sensor. As the EM energy goes through the skin and back to the sensor, the glucose level is measured via the transference of energy. According to Dr. Randall Jean, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, the microwave frequency level is wide enough to isolate the effect of sugar in the blood and to minimize the effects of other characteristics such as body fat and bone that could alter the accuracy of readings. Jean also said that using microwaves is relatively safe since they, unlike X-rays, are non-ionizing radiation. Moreover, recent research at Baylor indicates that the readings are accurate. Researchers took samples of nearly 20 people and compared these samples to levels measured by an over-the-counter commercial tester. They found that the non-invasive sensor has the potential of achieving the same or even better accuracy than current commercial testers. Learn more at the Baylorwebsite.
Baylor Researchers Use EM Waves to Measure Blood Glucose
