Development of Noninvasive Salivary Glucometer

Abstract

Currently blood glucose monitoring is achieved by venipuncture technique which is invasive and traumatic. Saliva is considered as an ultra-filtrate of blood containing medical information as in blood (DNA, proteins, hormones, metabolites etc.), hence has been empowered as means for disease diagnosis and prognosis.

In the light of this we propose to develop a disposable, low cost, easy to use and portable diagnostic salivary glucometer for routine monitoring, which can replace the standard method of estimation of plasma glucose levels. This noninvasive device also reduces risk of needle stick injuries and needle disposal which pose serious health concern to waste collection personnel.

Disposable Glucometer paper strips (Whatman filter paper) containing Glucose Oxidase and colour producing reagent are used in the development. These strips when dipped in saliva collected from the patients’ mouth, will undergo a colour change. The strips when placed in a developed prototype model of colour sensing infrared device will give an instant digital readout of the concentration of glucose.