Apple Watches to Monitor Blood Sugar?

The first wristwatch that could measure blood glucose was introduced in 2001, and since that time a number of companies have developed their own devices.

Apple pundits are saying that Apple’s next wristwatch upgrade could feature non-invasive blood sugar sensing technology using something called absorption spectroscopy.

Absorption spectroscopy bounces light, or some other radiant energy, off a sample of material. The target material absorbs certain portions of the radiant spectrum and what bounces back is then analyzed to see what’s missing. In this case, say the prognosticators, Apple may be able to measure blood sugar continuously through the skin.

This adds another significant feature to a device that can already monitor blood oxygen levels and administer an electrocardiogram. It would enable diabetics, prediabetics—or anyone else who is interested—to keep an eye on blood sugar levels.

The first wristwatch that could measure blood glucose was introduced in 2001, and since that time a number of companies have developed their own devices. Some provide continuous monitoring and display a graph showing the trend, and others take a reading when a button is pushed.

There’s no doubt a market exists for such devices, especially for those who want to avoid finger sticks and testing strips. An estimated 10 percent of Americans have diabetes. Another 30 percent have prediabetes, which can possibly lead to diabetes if unmonitored and unhandled.

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