Injectable Glucose Sensor Could Cut Costs 10-Fold
Texas A&M University researchers develop low-cost, injectable glucose sensor that could benefit over 500 million people living with diabetes, with prices potentially dropping from $60 to $180 per sensor
A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed a low-cost, injectable glucose sensor that could make blood sugar monitoring 10 times cheaper. The sensor, which is small enough to be injected under the skin, uses a protein and near-infrared dye to track glucose levels and has shown promising results in lab tests.
The current cost of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can range from $60 to $180 per sensor, making them a significant expense for people living with diabetes. In contrast, the new sensor uses a sugar molecule called beta-mannopentaose, which is roughly 10 times cheaper than the version it was compared against.
The sensor is designed to be injected under the skin in a hydrogel rod that is 2.5mm wide and 11mm long. It can track glucose levels between 25 and 400 mg/dL, covering low, normal, and high readings. After seven days, the sensor still held more than 94% of the glowing sugar molecule, demonstrating its potential for long-term use.
## What it means The development of this low-cost glucose sensor has the potential to benefit over 500 million people living with diabetes worldwide. Current CGMs can be expensive and inconvenient, requiring frequent replacements and calibration with finger-prick readings. The new sensor offers a simpler and more affordable alternative, which could improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes.
The sensor's use of near-infrared dye and a protein to track glucose levels eliminates the need for enzymes, making it a more cost-effective option. Additionally, the sensor's ability to work regardless of skin tone makes it a more inclusive solution for people with diabetes.
## Why it matters The high cost of CGMs can be a significant barrier for people living with diabetes, particularly those without decent insurance. The development of a low-cost, injectable glucose sensor could make blood sugar monitoring more accessible and affordable, leading to better health outcomes and improved quality of life. As the global diabetes population continues to grow, innovative solutions like this sensor are crucial for addressing the needs of people living with the condition.
