Glukose-it

Inspiration

We are a collective of high school students with a shared passion for STEM, driven by a commitment to making a meaningful impact. Our mission is to support rural communities by enhancing access to essential medical care and diagnostics. Recognizing that millions go undiagnosed due to limited resources, we set out to develop a solution that bridges this gap and empowers underserved communities with essential diagnostic tools.

What it does

Our project, Glukose-it, provides an accessible and accurate method for measuring glucose levels, enabling early detection of diabetes. The device is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easier for individuals—regardless of background or education level—to monitor their blood sugar levels. By using image-based instructions and culturally considerate materials, Glukose-it ensures accessibility across language barriers and religious considerations, making critical diagnostics more inclusive.

How we built it

We began by researching the chemical basis of glucose testing, specifically Benedict’s Solution and its reaction to reducing sugars. Using this foundational understanding, we developed working prototypes that could offer consistent and visible results. For outreach and awareness, we built our website using WIX and designed educational and promotional materials using Canva. This process involved both scientific exploration and design thinking to ensure that our product could be both effective and scalable.

Challenges we ran into

One of the primary challenges we faced was determining the cost of materials and ensuring affordability for our target communities. We also had to consider the size and portability of the product to make it viable for rural use. Another major hurdle was addressing language and cultural barriers, which required us to design with inclusivity in mind. Finally, we considered long-term scalability and how the product could be sustainably distributed and maintained in low-resource settings.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re especially proud of how Glukose-it makes glucose testing both accessible and intuitive, thanks to visual instructions that accommodate different literacy levels and religious practices. The project also actively promotes gender equality by accounting for gestational diabetes and supporting both prenatal and postnatal care. Through this initiative, we have taken meaningful steps toward reducing health inequities and addressing the alarming rise in undiagnosed diabetes in underserved populations.

What we learned

Throughout this project, we learned just how deeply diabetes affects families across the globe, often without being diagnosed until it’s too late. We gained insight into the social and systemic factors that make preventive care inaccessible to many, and we learned the importance of designing solutions that are affordable, inclusive, and grounded in empathy.

What's next for Glukose-it

We aim to expand our distribution network to reach more countries and broaden our product line to include cancer diagnostics and women’s health kits, such as those for gestational diabetes and PCOS. Partnering with global health and volunteer organizations will help us scale impact and deliver accessible care where it’s needed most.