Waiting For Noninvasive Methods To Check Blood Sugar Level? It Could Take A While!

Tech companies have since long been engaged in developing new technology devices for healthcare, whether to be used in the healthcare industry or to benefit individuals. We mean, the sector reached new heights during the pandemic-fueled innovation!

Keeping to this thought, devices that aim to measure blood sugar levels without drawing blood or breaking the skin at all have great demand. The biggest advantage will be for diabetes patients, who currently check their blood sugar levels by pricking a finger with a needle and testing a drop of blood. Alternatively, they make use of a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) which includes a sensor beneath the skin. As one can imagine, both these methods are unpleasant when done on a daily basis. Hence, the appeal for noninvasive blood glucose monitoring.

At present, the two primary methods of measuring glucose levels noninvasively are through bodily fluids like urine or tears. The other way is spectroscopy – shining light into the body and measuring its reflection using optical sensors. No, it isn’t sci-fi - this is the same tech used in smartwatches and fitness trackers to measure heart rates, blood oxygen levels, etc.


However, despite the process appearing simple and the technology similar, it faces a few challenges. 
David Klonoff, Medical Director at the Diabetes Research Institute at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center in San Mateo, California, says, “The signal that you get back from glucose happens to be very small, which is unfortunate.” Klonoff is also the President of the Diabetes Technology Society, Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology and has been following noninvasive glucose monitoring tech for over 25 years.

Another issue with the small signal is that it’s tough to distinguish from other similarly structured chemicals within the body, which can give inaccurate readings.

John Mastrototaro, CEO of Movano (a company engaged in measuring blood glucose using radio frequencies) says, “Water interferes with measurement in optical methods, and our bodies are filled with water. If you have any subtle changes in amounts of water, that can dramatically affect the signals you’re measuring.”


Both experts also believe that external factors like poor skin-sensor contact, stray light, weather or temperature changes and movement can lead to inaccurate measurements. Additionally, blood glucose monitors would need rigorous testing and FDA approvals as insulin dosages depend upon measurements. This process could take months or even years!

In a 48-year research period, few have had success. Remember Google’s project of smart contact lenses which looked promising but was put on hold in 2018? Recently, it was reported that even Apple made breakthrough in the technology but it wouldn’t be made available for several years.

What do you think of noninvasive blood glucose monitoring? Do you think the world will see such a device soon? Let us know in the comments below!