Scientists from the Centre for Nanoparticle Research in South Korea’s Institute for Basic Science (IBS) have developed a wearable patch that accurately monitors glucose levels in Type 2 diabetics and administers treatment when required.

Using “gold-doped graphene” as the base, the device works by measuring glucose and blood pH levels from the wearer’s sweat via sensors embedded in the wearable.

Temperature monitoring is also integrated into the device, and controls the reusable microneedles which administer insulin-regulating drugs when conditional thresholds are reached.

Built-in capabilities to connect the wearable to a portable electrochemical analyser allows the user to upload recorded data to a smartphone via Bluetooth, which then provides wireless monitoring of the wearer’s glucose and pH levels.

The flexible, semi-transparent nature of the graphene-based wearable allows the embedded sensors to remain unaffected by any skin deformations and ensures stable sensing and efficient drug delivery.

According to the research team, the device provides a non-invasive method of diabetes monitoring and treatment, and has multiple advantages over existing treatment techniques, which include regular doctor visits, home testing kits, and painful insulin injections.