Minimally Invasive Needle for Local Glucose Tolerance Tests in Skin.

Impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance are abnormalities leading to the development of type 2 diabetes. Assessment of impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance are critical to determining the type of diabetes and planning optimal management and preventive strategies in clinical practice. In order to measure insulin resistance, a minimally invasive needle with measurement and administration flow channels for local glucose tolerance tests was fabricated. This needle was inserted into the skin. Glucose was administrated through the flow channel, and glucose concentration in the skin was measured by microperfusion before and after administration. The needle's administration and glucose-collecting functions were evaluated in the skin of mice.