IIT Guwahati researchers develop portable device for instant glycemic index detection in fast food

Guwahati: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) have achieved a scientific breakthrough with the development of a portable Glycemic Index (GI) sensor capable of instant point-of-care detection. Led by Prof. Dipankar Bandyopadhyay from the Department of Chemical Engineering, the team’s innovation promises to provide invaluable real-time information for individuals managing their blood sugar levels, particularly those with diabetes.

The Glycemic Index, or GI, is a metric that classifies carbohydrate-containing foods based on their impact on blood sugar levels upon consumption. Foods with a high GI can lead to rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, followed by abrupt declines. Moreover, these high-GI foods trigger an increased demand for insulin, elevating the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. On the other hand, low-GI foods are essential for preventing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even certain cancers.

As the global trend of consuming fast food continues to rise among the working population, the demand for portable devices that can swiftly and accurately assess the GI of these foods becomes increasingly critical. The point-of-care-testing (POCT) prototype developed by the IIT Guwahati team can determine the glycemic index of common food sources in just approximately 5 minutes.