Researchers from IIT Madras’s Electronic Materials and Thin Films Lab led by Prof Parasuraman Swaminathan have developed and patented a glucose-monitoring device aimed at making diabetes care more comfortable, accessible and affordable.

The new device moves away from frequent finger-pricks typical of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and tackles the cost, convenience and dependency challenges of existing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Typical CGMs can be expensive and require smartphones or dedicated readers to display glucose levels.

The innovation features a modular system: a reusable electronics unit houses the control, power and display, while a disposable microneedle patch interfaces with interstitial fluid to detect glucose levels. The device includes a novel electro-thermochromic display embedded in the patch, meaning users can view their glucose reading at a glance no external device needed.

According to the research team, the low-power design and integration of both reusable and disposable elements reduce cost per use and support local manufacturing. The device has been patented (India patent IN 537167) and discussions with manufacturers for licensing and scaling are underway.

The significance is underscored by the size of India’s diabetes challenge: as per the Indian Council of Medical Research-INDIAB study, over 10 crore individuals in India live with diabetes. A low-cost, minimally invasive monitoring alternative could improve adherence helping patients monitor more consistently, catch glycaemic excursions earlier and reduce complications.

The next steps involve clinical trials, regulatory approvals, commercialisation via start-ups or device manufacturers and scaling manufacturing. If successful, the device could deepen domestic technology-self-reliance in medical devices and reduce dependence on imported glucose‐monitoring systems.