New Breath Sensor Could Simplify Diabetes Diagnosis

New Breath Sensor Could Simplify Diabetes Diagnosis
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Diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes may soon be as simple as breathing, according to a report by MedicalXpress. A research team led by Huanyu “Larry” Cheng, associate professor at Penn State, has developed a low-cost sensor that detects diabetes within minutes using a breath sample.

Unlike conventional tests requiring blood work or sweat collection, the device measures acetone levels in exhaled breath. Elevated acetone—above about 1.8 parts per million—signals diabetes. The sensor is built from laser-induced graphene, which is highly porous, and combined with zinc oxide to improve acetone selectivity.

A protective membrane was also added to block water molecules from interfering with readings. Currently, patients exhale into a bag before testing, but researchers aim to adapt the technology for direct use under the nose or inside masks. Cheng said the innovation could also be used to study how diet and exercise affect acetone levels, expanding its potential beyond diagnosis.