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Vadodara, December 27, 2025
M.S. University in Vadodara, Gujarat, has conducted research that allows for the detection of diabetes using a copper powder. Copper was converted from wire into nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were stabilized with the help of a natural polymer called chitosan. An element derived from corn starch was used to further enhance the nanoparticles.
This powder acts like a natural enzyme (a type of protein). It detects the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose in the blood produces hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme then turns a deep blue color. The intensity of the color changes depending on the amount of glucose in the blood.
This method of using the powder is likely to prove easier in laboratory testing for diabetes. This research has been published in the International Chemical Engineering Journal.
This can instantly detect glucose levels in blood or sweat. The powder changes color – turning blue, with darker shades indicating higher glucose levels.
When glucose is present, the powder produces hydrogen peroxide, which, in the presence of a nanozyme, turns the colorless solution dark blue. The intensity of the color directly corresponds to the glucose concentration.
This system was tested on real blood serum samples from both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The results were found to be comparable to those obtained using a standard glucometer.
The team is now working on the next phase of the research, which aims to detect glucose levels from human sweat as well. They are also exploring ways to assign numerical values to the color code.
This research took approximately one year to complete. The powder can be easily incorporated into paper-based strips or dip tests.
The research was conducted by Professor Sonal Thakor of the Chemistry Department of the Science Faculty and her PhD students Shradhanjali Samle and Twara Kikani. Professor Sonal Thakor believes that before using the powder, the serum needs to be separated from the blood, and then the powder can be used to check the glucose level. Therefore, one drawback is that it cannot be used at home like a glucometer. This powder can be useful in diabetes tests conducted in laboratories. It may also reduce the cost of diabetes testing. For this, a strip made by attaching the powder can be used. The powder has been successfully tested on blood samples of diabetic and non-diabetic patients in the lab. To gain more information about diabetes, the powder is being tested on sweat as well as blood. According to international standards, the powder was used on elements present in sweat in the lab. Positive results have been observed. However, the powder test is yet to be performed on the patient’s sweat sample. According to other global information, CGMS is a method of measuring blood sugar for diabetic patients, allowing continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels for 10 to 14 days. CGMS stands for Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and consists of a device the size of a 5 mm thick coin. This device measures blood sugar every 12 to 15 minutes and provides a 24-hour, 15-day blood sugar report in the form of a graph.
CGMS is also very useful for determining which foods increase or decrease blood sugar levels.
How the test is performed:
The test is very simple and can be done by the patient themselves. A small device is attached to the skin. The device adheres to the skin. Blood sugar is then checked every 15 minutes. Based on this, the doctor can increase or decrease the dose of food, medication, or insulin. After changing the food, medication, or insulin, the device is removed after taking the record again on the 14th day.
Benefits of CGMS:
CGMS can help determine when blood sugar levels rise, what causes them to rise, what foods increase them, which medications lower them, and which medications are effective. (Google translation from Gujarati, see Gujarati report)
