No-prick blood glucose tracking could be coming to Apple Watch

According to sources at Bloomberg, Apple is currently developing a technology that could potentially monitor glucose levels without the need for pricking the skin. 

This technology involves the use of a silicon photonics chip and optical absorption spectroscopy, and is currently in the ‘proof-of-concept’ stage. 

While the prototype device is currently about the size of an iPhone and can be attached to a person’s arm, it needs to be condensed to a smaller size before it can be integrated into a wearable. 

Apple hopes that this technology can not only help individuals with diabetes monitor their condition but also alert those who are pre-diabetic, allowing them to make lifestyle changes to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes. 

The project is reportedly being worked on by hundreds of engineers as part of Apple’s Exploratory Design Group (XDG), which is a highly secretive initiative within the company.

How does no-prick blood sugar tracking work?

By utilizing a chip technology called silicon photonics and a measurement process known as optical absorption spectroscopy, Apple is employing a unique approach. 

Their system involves the use of lasers to emit specific wavelengths of light into the interstitial fluid beneath the skin, which can absorb glucose. 

The light is subsequently reflected back to a sensor in a manner that indicates the glucose concentration. An algorithm is then utilized to determine the individual’s blood glucose level.

In ‘proof-of-concept’ stage

Over the past decade, Apple has conducted human trials on hundreds of individuals using its glucose technology, which has reportedly been in development for more than 12 years. 

The trials have included people who were unaware of their diabetic condition, as well as individuals with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. 

One of the primary objectives of this technology is to serve as a preventive measure by alerting people who are prediabetic. 

While the system is considered to be at a proof-of-concept stage, sources indicate that Apple views the technology as viable, but it needs to be scaled down to a more practical size. 

The project remains confidential, and the individuals providing this information have asked to remain anonymous.

A clear edge

Apple promotes the Apple Watch as a health device, which can detect indications of atrial fibrillation, low blood oxygen levels, and ovulation cycles (as of Series 8). 

If it incorporates non-intrusive glucose monitoring, it could become an essential tool for individuals with diabetes. 

This would eliminate the need for a specialized device that penetrates the skin, like a continuous glucose sensor that transmits information from an electrode-equipped needle to an external receiver. 

Apple Watch’s painless approach could offer an advantage over rival smartwatches.

Apple remains mum

Apple has kept quiet about its endeavor, reportedly operating under the guise of a separate firm, Avolonte Health, which it later integrated into a little-known Exploratory Design Group (XDG). 

Top executives, including CEO Tim Cook and Apple Watch hardware lead Eugene Kim, have been involved in the project. However, Bloomberg suggests that any practical application resulting from the project is likely years away. 

It is worth noting that the industry has had limited success in bringing non-invasive glucose monitors to market. 

For instance, Alphabet’s health subsidiary ‘Verily’ abandoned its smart contact lens project that aimed to track glucose levels using tears in 2018. 

Therefore, even established brands with substantial resources aren’t guaranteed success. It remains uncertain how reliable Apple’s solution would be.