Breath test accurately diagnoses diabetes by measuring acetone levels, Penn State researchers say

Researchers at Penn State University have found a fast and inexpensive way to diagnose diabetes early through a breath test.

Currently, diabetes must be diagnosed by measuring glucose levels through blood or sweat tests that involve visits to the doctor, lab work, time and expense. But a breath test developed at Penn State can pick up high levels of acetone in one's breath — an indication of diabetes — and return the results in a few minutes. MORE: Most U.S. women of reproductive age have elevated risk for birth defects

The study is published in the September issue of the Chemical Engineering Journal .

About 38 million Americans have diabetes, which occurs when the body does not produce any or enough insulin – or when the body is unable to use insulin. Insulin is needed for bl