Earwax could be used to measure glucose levels

An earwax self-sampling device could be used to measure chronic glucose levels, according to a study led by UCL and King's College London researchers. The pilot study, published in Diagnostics , reports that the new device was almost 60% more reliable at measuring chronic glucose levels averaged over a month than an existing gold standard technique. Researchers hope that their new method could be an effective, rapid and affordable way to assess glucose levels in people who might have diabetes. The new device can be used at home without medical supervision, allowing for check-ups while maintaining social distancing, and is easy to use without discomfort. Lead researcher Dr Andres Herane-Vives (UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London) said: "It is estimated globally that one in two adults with Type 2 diabetes are undiagnosed, and the situation is likely to have worsened during COVID-19 as people may not have undergone screening. Many people with Type 2 diabetes already have complications when they are diagnosed, so earlier diagnosis is critical. "The current gold standard way to test chronic glucose levels requires a blood sample, and is not perfectly reliable as it uses blood proteins as a proxy for the actual sugar levels.