At UC San Diego, a team of researchers has created a Smart Tattoo that monitors glucose levels. The Smart Tattoo is printed with material containing two electrodes that apply a electrical current that forces glucose molecules below the skin to rise to the surface, allowing the sensor to measure blood sugar. The sensor has been determined to be safe and there’s no more than a pinch when the glucose molecules are drawn to the surface. This lets a person monitor their glucose levels throughout the day without hassle or time wasted. They are currently conducting a trial with over 50 people with Diabetes set to conclude in June 2019.
Galindo, Yadira. “UC San Diego News Center.” Clinical Trial Tests Tattoo Sensor as Needleless Glucose Monitor for Diabetes Patients, UC San Diego, 19 Apr. 2018, ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/feature/clinical-trial-tests-tattoo-sensor-as-needleless-glucose-monitor.
Pacific Islanders have a need for specialized healthcare beyond normal populations in the US, particularly in terms of Diabetes. From a national survey in 2015, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders are 2.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than the white population. The Glucose Tatau would help monitor Pacific Islander Health and help them cope with the condition.
Here are the rough drafts of the Tatau. I chose the Honu as the primary symbol because it represent health and life energy, a perfect match for the energy systems in our bodies that diabetes wrecks havoc on.
The Original Sensor developed at UC San Diego.
Galindo, Yadira. “UC San Diego News Center.” Clinical Trial Tests Tattoo Sensor as Needleless Glucose Monitor for Diabetes Patients, UC San Diego, 19 Apr. 2018, ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/feature/clinical-trial-tests-tattoo-sensor-as-needleless-glucose-monitor.
Like many cultures, the stomach is the source for a person’s life energy, courage, procreation, independence and sexuality. Tatau on this region are symbolize health and an individual’s power.
Smart Tatau here will all be health sensor focused, monitoring things such as sugar levels or hormones. Thus this is where the Glucose Sensor will be, which will be integrated into elements of a sea turtle Tatau, which symbolizes health and energy.
Smart Tatau 