7 Bits Of Body Tech You'll Actually Be Wearing In 2016

2. Smart Insulin Patches

From one patch to another, diabetics could soon see an end to painful insulin injections. Scientists at the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University have been researching a glucose-sensing skin patch that responds to high glucose levels by delivering insulin automatically. The patch utilises micro-needles on its surface that essentially contain tiny packets which release insulin by bursting when high glucose levels are detected. Admittedly, the research as published (initially covered last year by the ever-eager tabloids) is in its early stages: so far, mice have been the only beneficiaries of the sugar-sensitive tech and, before human trials can begin, the long-term effects on our animal friends will have to be intensely studied, verified and cogitated. When will humans first feel the effects of the nifty patch? Preclinical research (including animal testing) can take a number of years, so 2016 might be an optimistic target for the start of human trials. Still, with positive signs from our rodent pals, things are looking bright for diabetics in the near future.