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Scientists in South Korea have managed to create a sensor that can monitor blood sugar levels by analyzing sweat on the skin. The device will require one millionth of a liter of sweat to be able to perform a sugar level test, improving the process of diagnosing and monitoring diabetes patients.

The sweat sensor device that can be used in determining type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes blood sugar levels were initially tested on laboratory mice, the BBC reports. The sensors were hooked up to a patch composed of tiny needles that will also automatically inject diabetes medication after the blood sugar levels are tested. The device, developed at the Seoul National University, can be a substitute for the conventional and painful blood collection that is frequently needed in diabetes patients.

However, there are still a few challenges that come in the experimentation of the device to make it work efficiently on humans. Sugar present in sweat is harder to find compared to sugar in the blood. Other chemicals such as lactic acid, present in sweat, can also disrupt the results.

Earlier this month, the Science Daily revealed that the cause of type 1 diabetes is possibly due to the mistake in identifying insulin-secreting beta cells and destroying them in the process during the treatment or management of type 1 diabetes. Juvenile diabetes or type 1 diabetes has no developed cure but this incredible step in managing diabetes painfully, especially for the young ones, is a big step in the commitment to deal and hopefully cure the disease.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system attacking the body organ that controls blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is caused by the inability to control blood sugar levels due to lifestyle damaging reasons. These patients constantly require their blood sugar levels to be determined to be able to intake medication when needed. This current sweat sensor device can help in creating advance medical procedures that can lessen the pain and stress diabetes patients endure.