Discrete diabetes test

Brunel University

Design graduate Andrew Bartlett has developed a stylish and easy-to-use glucose-monitoring device for teenagers that will reduce the stigma caused by blood testing in public.

Diabetics are advised to test their blood sugar levels four times a day to ensure their blood contains safe levels of glucose. Diabetes is a lifelong condition, affecting 1.6 million people in the UK, which - if glucose levels are left unmonitored - can lead to long-term complications including heart and kidney disease, blindness and limb amputation.

To be able to conduct regular tests, diabetics need to carry special equipment around with them: a needle (lancet) to draw blood; a test strip and a blood glucose monitor. They also need to wash their hands before testing to ensure an uncontaminated sample.

Andrew chose to design In1 after his own experiences of living with diabetes. As a teenager Andrew felt uneasy about testing at school or in front of strangers. He explains: “It is embarrassing to take a lot of medical equipment out of your bag in public as it marks you out as being different.”