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The magic of light: How does near-infrared light change the way we measure blood sugar?
Diabetes is a major health problem in today's society, and many people need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to prevent chronic disease and acute complications. Traditional blood sugar testing methods rely on skin puncture, which, although effective, often causes pain and inconvenience to patients. In this context, the development of non-invasive glucose monitoring (NIGM) technology has become an inevitable trend. Near-infrared spectroscopy technology is gradually emerging, providing a solution that does not require blood drawing, seeking to bring new hope to the majority of diabetic patients.
In the world of non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, the evolution of technology shows an ongoing process of exploration.
Historical Background of Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring
The exploration of NIGM technology can be traced back to 1975, however, to this day, no truly effective commercial product has been launched. To date, the FDA has approved only one product, which was quickly discontinued due to poor performance. Years of experimentation have resulted in tens of billions of dollars in investment, and a variety of technologies have emerged, including near-infrared spectroscopy through the skin and ultrasound, electrochemistry and other methods.
The rise of near-infrared spectroscopy
Near-infrared spectroscopy uses different wavelengths of light to detect diabetes beneath the skin. Initially, major research institutions and companies such as C8 Medisensors and MIT's Laser Biomedical Research Center conducted research using Raman spectroscopy technology. Their research showed that this method can non-invasively measure glucose in interstitial fluid.
Optimization and innovation are bringing us closer to achievable goals, but we still have to face real-world challenges.
Focus on current research and development
Since 2020, large technology companies such as Apple and Samsung have begun to accelerate the development of NIGM. They are looking to incorporate the technology into wearable devices, most notably the upcoming Apple Watch and Samsung smartwatches. Through these devices, continuous blood sugar monitoring may be possible in the future using near-infrared light technology.
Exploration of other non-invasive techniques
In addition to optical sensors, other companies such as KnowLabs and BioXR are also developing non-invasive monitoring technologies based on radio frequencies. Among them, KnowLabs' Bio-RFID sensor and BioXensor both hope to achieve continuous blood sugar monitoring without causing discomfort.
Conclusion: Hope for the futureIn this technological race, progress is rapid, but how to solve the challenges of accuracy and commercialization remains the key.
Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring is undoubtedly a major breakthrough in the science and technology medical community. The application of near-infrared light is changing people's understanding of blood glucose monitoring. As these technologies continue to advance, the future may bring more accurate and convenient solutions that will significantly improve the quality of life of diabetic patients. Will such a technological revolution make us say goodbye to traditional methods of measuring blood sugar?
