A team of UC-Irvine chemists and pediatricians found that children with type-1 diabetes exhale significantly higher concentrations of methyl nitrates when they are hyperglycemic (with high blood sugar - common in type-1 diabetes mellitus) with the use of a chemical analysis method developed for air-pollution testing.




This breath analysis can potentially be an effective non-invasive method for monitoring blood sugar levels in diabetes.

According to Dr. Pietro Galassetti, a diabetes researcher with the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at UC Irvine:

"Breath analysis has been showing promise as a diagnostic tool in a number of clinical areas, such as with ulcers and cystic fibrosis.

While no clinical breath test yet exists for diabetes, this study shows the possibility of non-invasive methods that can help the millions who have this chronic disease.

Currently, we are involved with new studies looking at the correlation of other gases with hyperglycemia and other variables, including insulin.

Eventually, we hope to put together a full exhaled gas profile of diabetes, and our efforts look promising"

Maybe soon enough, we'll be saying goodbye finger pricks!

Findings appear this week in the early online version of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Find more details about the breath test for diabetes from UC-Irvine.