Case School of Engineering researchers have developed “sliver-sensor” — a fully functional, minimally invasive, microscopic new monitor that can be placed just under the skin and seen with the naked eye for very accurate, continuous examination of glucose level for diabetics and other bodily fluid levels.

Colors in the tiny sensor, which is smaller than the tip of a pencil, gradually change from orange (low glucose levels) to green and then to dark blue as levels increase. A deep, darker blue signifies the highest glucose level that can occur in diabetics.

The sensor, which is one to two millimeters long and 100 to 200 micrometers wide, penetrates the skin easily and painlessly so users can insert or reinsert it themselves when needed and can be operational for at least several days at a time. It can be monitored by eyesight and by electronic telemetry, using a watch-like device worn by the person for data processing.

Lab testing and in-vivo testing of the sensor in laboratory animals are continuing. The sliver sensor could be ready for human testing within six months.

Case Western Reserve University news release