BOFFINS are developing “smart tattoos” which change colour depending on our health.
They and tattoo artists are working on an ink that responds to biomarkers such as glucose, proteins or electrolytes.
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The ink has its own PH which means it can change colour according to the wearer’s condition.
Scientists say it will let diabetic patients know if blood sugars are low, and help athletes’ hydration.
Dr Ali Yetisen, of the chemical engineering team at Imperial College London, said: “The human skin is the largest organ in the human body yet it’s the least explored.
“This is the first attempt to functionalise it as a dynamic display to reveal information about the human body.
“Bio-sensing inks can simply be integrated and injected inside the human body.
“You will basically carry your own medical device inside your skin.
“It is an amazing project”
Smart tattoos have yet to be tested on humans but have been tested on pig skin, said to be the closest animal substitute.
Common diabetes signs and when to see a GP
You should visit a GP as soon as possible if you experience the main symptoms of diabetes, which include:
- feeling very thirsty
- peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
- feeling very tired
- weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush
- blurred vision
Type 1 diabetes can develop very quickly over weeks or days and it’s more common that it will cause weight loss than type 2.
Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general, or there are no symptoms at all.