New nanotech microchip could diagnose type 1 diabetes faster than ever

Historically, diagnosing type 1 diabetes has involved a slow testing procedure that costs most patients a significant amount of money and time.

But a new and inexpensive microchip-based test could change that, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

The handheld microchip could produce results in minutes, while only costing about $20 to produce.

"With the new test, not only do we anticipate being able to diagnose diabetes more efficiently and more broadly, we will also understand diabetes better - both the natural history and how new therapies impact the body," said study author Brian Feldman, MD, PhD.

Early detection is crucial

In the past, there was almost no gray area when distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. That's because type 1 diabetes was almost exclusively diagnosed in children, while type 2 diabetes was almost always diagnosed in middle-aged adults.

Yet things have changed, the researchers stressed, and a growing number of adults are being diagnosed with type 1.

Early detection and aggressive treatment of the condition can vastly improve a patient's long-term prognosis, they said.

Researchers are seeking FDA approval

"The old, slow test detected the auto-antibodies using radioactive materials, took several days, could only be performed by highly-trained lab staff and cost several hundred dollars per patient," a news release on the study stated. "In contrast, the microchip uses no radioactivity, produces results in minutes, and requires minimal training to use."

The microchip uses a fluorescent-based method to detect antibodies that are unique to type 1 diabetes, and its efficacy has been confirmed through blood samples from newly diagnosed diabetics and people without the condition.

The Stanford team has filed for a patent on the microchip, and they are working to achieve FDA approval in order to bring it to market.

"We would like this to be a technology that satisfies global need," Feldman said.

Source: Stanford University Medical Center

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