Diabetic Biosensing Tattoos

Welcome To The Future.

Did you know that scientists/researchers are now developing tattoos that can sense changes in blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Researchers from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have developed a glucose sensing ink that provides a way to monitor blood sugar levels without the person having to prick their skin and get a blood sample every few hours. Here is an article that discusses the Biosensor tattoo and the many possibilities it could be used for. 


Someone who has Type 1 diabetes, which means their body does not produce insulin (controls your blood sugar levels) is constantly pricking their fingers throughout the day, monitoring their blood sugar making sure it does not get too high or too low. They have to check their levels before and after eating, or after any type of exercise. For example, if a person is swimming in a pool and their levels are changing due to the exercise and they are not aware of this, instead of having to get out and check what their blood sugar level is at they could just glance down to where the tattoo is placed. The glucose sensing ink will change from a blue colour to a brown colour. The change in colour alerts the person of their blood sugar levels on whether they are too high or too low.

 This technology is still in its early stages and has only been tested on pig skin samples, it has yet to be tested on humans. I agree that this product still needs to be worked on as there are many questions about it. One of the main questions would be how will this product work on every skin colour. Since the ink only changes from blue to brown and vice versa, what colour will they use on someone who has a darker skin tone. Another question that I can think of is the accuracy. Right now with the blood glucose monitors, when the finger is pricked and the blood is analyzed, you are shown how high or low your glucose levels are. These numbers are key to determining the amount of insulin you administer. With the tattoos it will notify the diabetic that their blood sugars are not within the normal range, but it will not tell you how far off you are, which will result in the person having to prick their finger. 


I believe that once this product is ready to be tested on people they will have everyone's concerns figured out. Take a look at this video (Dermal Abyss Tattoo) and let me know your thoughts! If you were a diabetic, would you consider getting the Biosensor tattoo? 

 - Kassandra

References
For article, video and photos- 
Marcus, M. B. (2017, June 6). Color-changing tattoos aim to monitor blood sugar, other health stats. Retrieved from CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/color-changing-tattoos-aim-to-monitor-blood-sugar-other-health-stats/
Pettit, H. (2017, June 9). The incredible colour changing tattoos that monitor the blood sugar levels of people with diabetes in real-time. Retrieved from Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4587850/Colour-changing-tattoo-ink-help-people-diabetes.html




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