Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring Technologies
Non-invasive glucose monitoring seeks to measure blood glucose without skin penetration using technologies like NIR spectroscopy and RF dielectric sensing.
Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring Technologies
The Promise of Non-Invasive Monitoring
Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring (NIGM) seeks to measure blood glucose without skin penetration.
Technologies Being Explored
Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy
Uses light absorption patterns to detect glucose concentrations.
Raman Spectroscopy
Analyzes scattered light to identify molecular signatures.
Radio Frequency (RF) Dielectric Sensing
Measures changes in tissue electromagnetic properties.
Key Differences from Traditional CGMs
Unlike traditional CGMs which use enzymatic electrochemical sensors, NIGM relies on detecting physical changes in tissue or electromagnetic signals.
Major Challenges
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Glucose signals are often obscured by water and skin thickness variations.
Environmental Interference
Temperature and sweat significantly affect readings.
Accuracy
Currently lower than invasive methods.
Historical Context
The GlucoWatch Biographer (reverse iontophoresis) was briefly FDA-approved in the early 2000s but failed due to skin irritation.
Current Landscape
- Know Labs (Bio-RFID) and Afon lead current development
- Apple and Samsung are investing in R&D
⚠️ FDA Warning (2024): No smartwatch or ring is currently cleared for non-invasive glucose measurement. Safety risks from inaccurate data are significant.