Scientists from Baghiullah University of Medical Sciences in Iran have invented a device that can diagnose diabetes based on the composition of saliva. The sensor detects the disease with 89% accuracy. Research results published In Scientific Reports.
Diabetes is a condition of the body in which the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Constantly high glucose levels can lead to serious disruptions in the functioning of the body and damage to the nervous system and blood vessels.
The device invented by scientists monitors metabolic changes in saliva. To create the sensor, the researchers used porphyrazines, chemicals used to make liquid crystal materials, as well as pH-sensitive dyes and silver nanoparticles. The substrate consisted of two layers, one of which was paper. The device turned out to be compact – 1.5 cm long and 1 cm wide.
Scientists have already tested the sensor on people with diabetes and healthy volunteers. A total of 90 people participated in the research. They did not consume food or drink for 8-12 hours before the test. Saliva samples from each participant were applied to a paper support and then reacted with pH-sensitive dyes. Changes in the color of the paper backing indicated the presence or absence of diabetes.
The device was able to detect the disease in people with diabetes with 89% accuracy. The researchers added that the sensor could serve as an alternative to invasive testing methods due to its size and ease of use, but the design currently requires further development.
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