![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/355000/images/_358905_bloodtest150.jpg)
The tests involve pricking the skin to get a sample of blood.
The BBC's Tomorrow's World programme reports that a US scientist has developed a patch that can do the test for them without any need for the use of needles.
The patch is worn on the arm in a way similar to nicotine patches used by people trying to give up smoking.
But instead of releasing substances into the body, the diabetes patch analyses blood sugar levels in the fluid between the cells - the interstitial fluid.
The patch uses a gel that can penetrate through the skin completely painlessly to react with the sugar in the fluids underneath.
The patch must be left on the skin for five minutes to take an accurate reading.
An accurate timing is provided by a meter, which sounds an alarm when the patch has been attached for the correct time.
The meter is then attached to the top of the patch to give a simple reading of blood sugar levels.
It does this by analysing minute colour changes to the patch caused by the reaction of the gel with blood sugar.
Daily pin pricks
At present millions of insulin dependent diabetics have to perform needlestick tests several times a day to monitor the amount of sugar in their blood.
Diabetics must keep their blood sugar levels within a given range. It blood sugar levels are too high or low, serious health problems can result.
Donald West, a diabetic for 26 years, has been road testing the patch.
Donald estimates that he has carried out more than 37,000 needlestick tests on himself, but he said: "After 26 years it is pretty daily routine for me, but there are times when it still hurts.
"The patch is definitely a lot less painful, and it seems like it is going to be more accurate too."
The inventor, Dr Jack Aronowitz, believes the patch will enable diabetics to have better control of their disease in the long term.
The patch is still undergoing clinical trials, but Dr Aronowitz hopes it will be widely available in two years time.
A spokesman for the British Diabetic Association said the patch could be a significant development for diabetics.
He said: "People doing blood tests have to prick their finger to get blood out and that is not the most convienient thing in the world.
"Also the better a diabetic can control blood sugar levels, the less chance there is of long-term complications."
A full report on the diabetes patch will be featured on Tomorrow's World. BBC One, 2 June. 1930 BST.
Background Briefings
Medical notes
Diabetes vaccine hope
(14 May 99 | Health)
Action needed to prevent premature diabetes deaths
(30 Apr 99 | Health)
Diabetes: The facts
(12 Jan 99 | Medical notes)
Centre offers hope for diabetics
(12 Jan 99 | Health)
British Diabetic Association
Diabetes links
Tomorrow's World
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