RecruitingNot ApplicableObservational

Non-invasive glucose monitoring study

Researchers at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children are looking for children and young people aged 5-18 with Type 1 diabetes to test a new device called 'Glucopatch'. This patch sticks to the skin and measures blood sugar levels without needing any needles, which can be painful with current devices. The study will compare how well the 'Glucopatch' works against the usual skin-piercing monitors. You'll wear the Glucopatch for two weeks, do some finger-prick tests, and share your thoughts. There's no direct benefit to you, but if successful, this device could make managing diabetes much easier and less painful for young people in the future. The study hopes to improve diabetes care for many.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

University of Bristol

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Type 1 diabetes

What is this study about?

Living with diabetes often means regularly checking your blood sugar levels, and for many, this involves devices that have a small sensor inserted under the skin. While these devices have been a great help, putting a sensor in can sometimes hurt or irritate the skin.

This study is testing a brand new device called 'Glucopatch'. This patch is special because it simply sits on top of your skin – no needles are needed at all! The main goal is to find out if the 'Glucopatch' can measure blood sugar levels just as accurately as the current devices that go under the skin.

If the 'Glucopatch' works well, it could mean a much more comfortable and pain-free way for children and young people to manage their diabetes in the future. This could make a big difference to daily life and contribute to better overall health.

Key takeaways

Tests a new, needle-free 'Glucopatch' for Type 1 diabetes.
Aimed at children and young people aged 5-18.
Participation involves 2 weeks of wearing the patch and daily finger-prick tests.
No direct personal benefit, but could improve future diabetes care.
Run by Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, funded by Innovate UK.
Your usual diabetes care continues unchanged.

Who may be eligible?

We are specifically looking for around 30 children and young people who are aged between 5 and 18 years old. To join the study, you must have Type 1 diabetes and be using an insulin pump or injections, as well as a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to keep track of your blood sugar levels.

This study is not suitable for those who have other types of diabetes, such as Type 2 diabetes, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, or MODY. Also, if you don't currently use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to manage your diabetes, you won't be able to take part.

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 between 5 and 18 years old?
Do you have Type 1 diabetes?
Do you currently use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?
Are you receiving insulin therapy (injections or pump)?
Do you live near Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and can attend appointments there?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will wear the 'Glucopatch' device for two weeks. During this time, you or your family will need to do four finger-prick blood tests each day. You'll record these results in a diary and on a special mobile phone provided for the study. Every day, you'll put on a new 'Glucopatch', and its readings will be sent to the study phone. Please note, you won't see these 'Glucopatch' readings yourself, as we're still checking how accurate they are. Importantly, you'll continue to manage your diabetes using your usual CGM as normal throughout the study.

At the end of the two weeks, you'll visit Bristol Royal Hospital for Children again to return the study phone, any leftover patches, and your diary. We'll ask you about any problems you had with the 'Glucopatch' and invite you to an interview to share your thoughts and ideas for improvements. We will also ask for your permission to compare your usual CGM results with the Glucopatch readings.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits for you by taking part in this study. However, your involvement could help pave the way for a new, pain-free way for children and young people to monitor their blood sugar levels in the future, which would be a great step forward for diabetes care. There are a few potential downsides, such as the inconvenience of doing extra finger-prick tests each day, and there's a small chance you might experience some issues with the 'Glucopatch' device itself, such as skin irritation. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre
City only
Bristol, England
Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
Approximate
Bristol, England

Common questions

What is the 'Glucopatch'?

It's a new device designed to measure your blood sugar levels from your skin surface, without needing any needles.

Will I know my 'Glucopatch' readings during the study?

No, you won't see the 'Glucopatch' readings. We need to check how accurate they are first, so you'll continue to rely on your usual sugar monitoring device.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll wear the 'Glucopatch' for two weeks, and there will be two clinic visits to the hospital in total.

Will taking part affect my diabetes care?

No, your diabetes care will continue exactly as normal using your current continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the Small Business Research Initiative, a programme from Innovate UK.

How to find out more

Julian Hamilton-Shield

j.p.h.shield@bristol.ac.uk +44 7703066901 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.