Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Reconfirming the Safety and Performance of the Glyconics-DS System in Known Populations With and Without Diabetes

Researchers are investigating a new, simple test for diabetes that uses a special device to scan your fingernails with light. This test looks for signs of sugar in your nails, which can indicate if you have diabetes or are at risk. They want to confirm that this new "Glyconics-DS System" is safe and works accurately, both for people who already have diabetes and for those who don't. The study will compare its results with a well-known blood test for diabetes called HbA1c. The aim is to find a less invasive way to screen for and manage diabetes, making it easier for people to get tested.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Glyconics Ltd

Enrolment target

100

Start

28 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 May 2026

Diabetes Mellitus Healthy

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new, quick and easy way to check for diabetes. Instead of a traditional blood test, this new method uses a device that shines a special light on your fingernail. It measures something called 'glycated keratin' – which is essentially a measure of how much sugar is attached to the protein in your nails. This can give doctors an idea of your average blood sugar levels over time.

The main goal of this research is to prove that this new fingernail test, called the 'Glyconics-DS System', is safe and works just as well as existing tests. They are testing it on people who are healthy and people who already know they have diabetes. By comparing the results from the fingernail scan with those from a standard blood test (called HbA1c, which also measures average blood sugar), the researchers hope to show that this new device is a reliable alternative.

Ultimately, if this fingernail test is shown to be accurate and safe, it could make it much simpler and less uncomfortable for people to get screened for diabetes or to monitor their condition. This could be a big step forward in helping more people identify diabetes early and manage it effectively.

Key takeaways

Tests a new non-invasive fingernail scanner for diabetes.
Compares it to a standard finger-prick blood test (HbA1c).
Needs healthy adults and adults with Type 2 diabetes.
Involves a single visit for both tests.
Aims for a simpler, less uncomfortable diabetes screening method.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. The researchers are looking for two main groups of people: roughly 50 healthy adults who don't have diabetes, and about 50 adults who have already been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. All participants must be willing to have both the special fingernail light scan and a small finger-prick blood test during the study.

It's important that you have at least one undamaged, clear fingernail, ideally on your middle finger, that doesn't have any nail polish or artificial nails that can't be removed.

Some health conditions might mean you can't take part. For example, if you have certain severe blood problems like anaemia or sickle cell disease, advanced kidney or liver disease, a severe lack of Vitamin D, a weak immune system, or certain eating disorders. Also, if you've recently donated blood (within the last 28 days), or have other types of diabetes like Type 1 or gestational diabetes, you might not be suitable for this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you willing to have both a fingernail scan and a finger-prick blood test?
Do you have at least one clear, undamaged fingernail without polish or artificial nails?
Do you NOT have severe anaemia, advanced kidney/liver disease, or severe Vitamin D deficiency?
Have you NOT donated blood in the last 28 days?
Do you NOT have Type 1, gestational, or other specific types of diabetes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join, you will visit the study site just once. During this visit, you'll have two main things done. First, a special device will be used to scan one of your fingernails with a light to measure your sugar levels in your nail. Second, you'll have a small finger-prick test to get a drop of blood for the standard HbA1c diabetes test. The researchers will compare the results of these two tests. You won't need to take any new medication for this study, and there's no long-term follow-up required after your single visit. The total time you'll spend participating in the study will be just for that one visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer you the benefit of learning your current HbA1c level, which is a key indicator for diabetes. For those without diagnosed diabetes, this could also identify if you are at risk. The main risks involved are minimal, primarily discomfort from the finger-prick blood test, which is generally mild and brief. The fingernail scan is completely painless. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your future medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Tameside General Hospital, Fountain Street
Verified postcode
Ashton-under-Lyne, United Kingdom
Barts Liver Centre
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the Glyconics-DS System?

It's a new device that uses light to measure sugar levels in your fingernails, aiming to be a simpler way to test for diabetes.

Do I need to be diagnosed with diabetes to join?

No, the study needs both healthy people and people already diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Will I have to give blood?

You'll have a simple finger-prick test, similar to checking blood sugar, in addition to the fingernail scan.

How long will the study take?

You'll only need to make one visit to the study site for all the tests.

What if I have nail polish?

You'll need to remove any nail polish or artificial nails for the test to work correctly.