New Skin Patch Developed to Measure Glucose Levels

A new skin patch has been developed to measure glucose levels without the need of finger-prick tests.

The Freestyle Navigator, developed by Abbott Laboratories, checks glucose levels in the body's interstitial fluid -- the fluid around the body's cells -- every 60 seconds. A miniature sensor is implanted under the skin on the upper arm or stomach monitoring glucose levels. A patch containing a tiny transmitter is placed over the sensor and sends information to a monitor, which fits into a pocket or purse.

The manufacturer hopes to receive European marketing approval later this year.