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How are major technology companies launching a revolution in non-invasive blood glucose monitoring?
Noninvasive Glucose Monitoring (NIGM) refers to technology that can monitor blood sugar levels without puncturing the skin. This technology is crucial for diabetics because it avoids the pain and inconvenience of repeated blood draws. Since 1975, many companies and research institutions have been working hard to find effective non-invasive monitoring methods. However, so far, no mature commercial products have emerged.
Research on non-invasive blood glucose monitoring began in 1975, and we are still looking for feasible solutions today.
Early History
As of 1999, only one non-invasive product based on galvanic technology had been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it was withdrawn due to poor performance and occasional skin damage. Since then, hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in companies seeking solutions to this problem, and many different attempts have been made, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), transcutaneous measurements, and polarization rotation of light through the chamber in front of the eye. . But in the end, these technologies failed to achieve commercially reliable results.
According to a 2012 study, ten different technologies failed to produce a commercial, clinically usable device.
A new wave of research and development
Since 2020, research and development activities in non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology have increased significantly. Players in this space include large technology companies such as Apple and Samsung, as well as a number of startups.
Optical sensing technology
Optical spectroscopy methods use light to measure blood glucose levels in the body in continuous glucose monitoring. Such methods typically involve shining specific wavelengths of light into the skin and analyzing what happens when the light interacts with glucose molecules.
Mid-infrared spectrum
DiaMonTech, a company in Berlin, Germany, is developing the D-Pocket, a medical device that uses infrared laser technology to detect glucose molecules in skin tissue fluid. According to the published preliminary study, its method achieved a median absolute relative difference (MARD) of 11.3%.
Near-infrared spectrum
Apple is developing non-invasive CGM technology integrated into Apple Watch. Reports indicate that it has demonstrated proof of concept of this technology in 2023.
Currently, Apple is looking to integrate non-invasive CGM with its Apple Watch and plans to launch it in 2025.
Raman spectroscopy technology
In 2020, a new method developed by Samsung in collaboration with MIT allowed it to directly detect glucose signals. The system has proven its accuracy in experiments with pigs.
The study reported that the system was able to accurately read blood glucose data for one hour after initial calibration.
Electromagnetic induction technology
Electromagnetic induction technology measures blood sugar levels through the interaction of electromagnetic waves with glucose molecules in the body. Several companies such as KnowLabs and BioRX are developing devices based on this technology. These devices are designed to enable several daily blood glucose updates without significant assessment invasiveness.
KnowLabs reports that preliminary experiments with its Bio-RFID sensor show a MARD of 11.1%.
Other innovative methods
In addition to the technologies mentioned above, there are many emerging technologies being developed. For example, Occuity's device measures blood sugar by scanning your eyes, while BOYDSense measures it through breath analysis.
The potential demonstrated by these new technologies in clinical trials will undoubtedly stimulate strong interest within and outside the industry, but currently there is still a lack of a widely accepted non-invasive CGM solution on the market. Improvements in accuracy are critical for all current technologies to achieve wider adoption.
In the future, with further research and development of various technologies, diabetic patients will have the opportunity to enjoy painless and instant blood glucose monitoring services. Will this promote changes in the way they manage their health, or even have a significant impact on diabetes treatment options?
