As always, Apple has managed to surprise everyone after it was discovered that they’re working on a secret project that could completely change the way we treat diabetes. It was reported by CNBC that the company has actually been developing a new, wearable device that could be used for monitoring blood sugar, and that can be used without the invasive finger sticks. An idea for this supposedly originated a long time ago, with the founder of the company, Steve Jobs.
The report says that the team of many biomedical engineers was assembled and that these scientists came from various companies. Part of their research probably come from the company called Cor, that Apple bought in 2010. This company has been trying to find a way to integrate noninvasive glucose monitoring into a device that can be worn as easily as Apple Watch, and they’ve spent more than five years on this research.
Those who suffer from diabetes must check their glucose levels on regular basis, which is at least four times every day, while some that use insulin pumps have to check their blood up to 16 times per day.
That’s why several companies that are into smartphone and wearable device market have been trying to figure out an easy but reliable way to deal with this issue.
Even though integrating glucose sensors into small, wearable devices is a pretty challenging task, the potential of managing this would be very great. It’s estimated that more than 9 million of the similar wearable CGM devices should be shipped by 2021, and many big corporations, Apple included, are rushing to be a part of this.
Apple will be able to offer their users a way to monitor the blood sugar by using a special application that will be synced with their iPhones. This will be possible through the use of G5 continuous glucose monitors, that the company will be able to acquire from their business partners, Dexcom.
This method has proven to be a lot more accurate than the most others.
On the other hand, Abbot’s testing system called Libre has installed a sensor that measures fluid under the skin every minute and is available in 30 different countries.
Another company called Medtronic is a leading maker of continuous glucose sensors and diabetic insulin pumps. Their devices were approved in Australia, Europe, and Latin America.
By using these products, wearers will always be able to receive alerts if something’s wrong.
Another company, UK’s Nemaura Medical also works on a similar device. They call it SugarBEAT system, and it uses noninvasive, disposable patch. It can also be used in different fields, like for measuring the condition of athletes, and the patch would last up to 14 days before the change is needed.
The company has started working with Chinese Shenzen CAS Health Corp., and manufacturing and distribution of this device will be a joint venture.
All of these companies aim to allow their users to connect their devices with the smartphone through special apps, and it’s obvious that our future health will be closely tied to our phones.
