Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers have developed and patented a cost-effective, user-friendly, and minimally invasive glucose monitoring device for diabetes, an illness that affects over 10 crore people in the country.

The cornerstone of the solution is a modular system that combines reusable electronics and a low-power display unit with a disposable micro-needle sensor patch to become a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device, which is better than the existing CGM systems that depend on separate devices, such as smartphones or dedicated readers, to display results.

The most common and effective method in use, Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG), requires multiple finger-prick blood samples taken multiple times a day. CGM systems offer real-time readings without repeated finger pricks. IIT Madras researchers claim that their CGM device—a reusable unit that houses the control electronics, power source, communication interfaces, and a novel low-powered, patented electro-thermochromic display—shows glucose readings directly on the patch, unlike conventional CGMs that rely on smartphones or bulky external receivers.

“From a researcher’s perspective, the real measure of success is when an idea steps out of the lab and starts making a tangible difference in people’s lives. In the case of diabetes management, that difference could mean sparing someone the discomfort of multiple finger pricks a day, helping them stay in range more consistently, and ultimately preventing long-term complications,” Prof. Parasuraman Swaminathan, Electronic Materials and Thin Films Lab, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, IIT Madras, said.

“A device like this is a real enabler. By making glucose monitoring painless, discreet, and affordable, it encourages people to check their levels more regularly, understand their body’s patterns, and take timely action. Over time, it leads to fewer emergencies, fewer hospital visits and less strain on families and healthcare systems. On a national scale, a domestically-developed CGM also strengthens our self-reliance in medical technology, reducing dependence on imported devices and creating opportunities for local manufacturing and employment,” L. Balamurugan, an IIT Madras MS Entrepreneurship scholar working on this solution, said.

Functional prototypes of the display module have been built and tested in the lab. The display module is also protected through two granted Indian patents. The core innovations are secured through two granted Indian patents and one international PCT application. Next steps include clinical validation, manufacturing readiness, regulatory clearance and testing for reliability in real-world conditions.

The researchers have already formed a start-up venture to focus exclusively on refining the device, conducting clinical trials, and bringing it to market. IIT Madras Research Park facilitates access to prototyping facilities, regulatory advisors, and investor networks for the project. The researchers are in active discussions with established medical device manufacturers to license the technology and leverage these companies’ production capabilities, distribution networks, and market presence to reach scale quickly.