A Next-Gen Solution for Diabetes Care
The new device offers a significant upgrade from traditional glucose monitors that rely on finger-prick testing or external displays. Instead, this patch features a small, reusable electronic display and a disposable microneedle sensor patch. The modular system is both cost-effective and energy-efficient, extending battery life and minimizing the need for frequent charging.
The device’s key components the display module, sensor interface, and communication unit have been secured through multiple Indian patents. Developed at the Electronic Materials and Thin Films Laboratory, the innovation was led by Professor Parasuraman Swaminathan from the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
According to the team, the microneedle patch collects interstitial fluid painlessly beneath the skin, providing accurate glucose readings in real time. The data is instantly visible on the patch’s built-in screen, removing the need for external devices or smartphone syncing.
Commercialisation and Industry Collaboration
A start-up venture has already been formed under the institute’s incubation ecosystem to bring the technology to market. The start-up will focus on refining the design, conducting clinical trials, and partnering with medical device manufacturers for production and distribution.
The research team is currently in active discussions with healthcare companies and regulatory bodies to accelerate the product’s approval and deployment. If successfully commercialised, the patch could revolutionise diabetes monitoring in India, where over 100 million people are affected by the condition.
Low-Cost Innovation with Global Potential
The project underscores India’s growing capacity for indigenous healthcare innovation. By focusing on affordability, power efficiency, and ease of use, the IIT-M team aims to make continuous glucose monitoring accessible to a wider population.