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Smartwatches; Non-invasive glucose Monitors

K

Kraken-tech

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi everyone,

Does anyone know if there is a smartwatch that can measure your blood glucose; If so which one would you recommend?

For myself, I’ve had Type-1 Diabetes for over 20 years and I am getting to the stage. Where I am fed-up of wearing sensors on my arm and looking at my phone. Also the sensor slipping off, when I am exercising!

I would like to know everyone’s opinion regarding smartwatch’s and if they can measure your blood glucose directly (without the phone) in a non-invasive approach!?

Any research or recommendations are welcome!

I’ve been doing my own research on the topic regarding this technology.
But there is a lot of rumours regarding Glucose Monitor’s on Smartwatches. I have been looking for one myself and have found plenty of reviews (DIY-hacks) from the big Brands (Apple, Fitbit etc) but I’ve been disappointed that the watch doesn’t actually measure your Blood Glucose or it has to involve your phone to view the measurement!

Has anyone had any luck finding small businesses, who manufacturer Non-invasive smartwatches?
 
Kraken-tech said:
Does anyone know if there is a smartwatch that can measure your blood glucose; If so which one would you recommend?
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I don't know of one. There are various companies saying they're about to release such smartwatches, but I think mostly when I read the details it turns out they need a sensor that fits on the smartwatch that needs replacing every week or two, so they're not really non-invasive, though they may well just be measuring something near the surface.

You might be better off looking at things that'll fix an existing sensor more securely? There are certainly straps and things for Libre sensors. I presume they exist for Dexcom sensors (when worn on the arm, I guess).
 
I have heard this mentioned a few times on the forum but I think the technology is probably still a long way off being accurate enough to bolus or correct from.
Personally I am still finding the Libre lifechanging after 3 years of using it. I use an arm strap to give it extra security and that works really well for me working with horses and getting hot and sweaty during exercise or in the shower. I have only lost one sensor since I started using an arm strap (plastic 3D printed watchface with elastic adjustable strap) and that was when a fruit tree branch in the garden spiked into my arm right under the sensor and gouged it off and I considered myself lucky not to lose skin with it.
 
 
Kraken-tech said:
Hi everyone,

Does anyone know if there is a smartwatch that can measure your blood glucose; If so which one would you recommend?

For myself, I’ve had Type-1 Diabetes for over 20 years and I am getting to the stage. Where I am fed-up of wearing sensors on my arm and looking at my phone. Also the sensor slipping off, when I am exercising!

I would like to know everyone’s opinion regarding smartwatch’s and if they can measure your blood glucose directly (without the phone) in a non-invasive approach!?

Any research or recommendations are welcome!

I’ve been doing my own research on the topic regarding this technology.
But there is a lot of rumours regarding Glucose Monitor’s on Smartwatches. I have been looking for one myself and have found plenty of reviews (DIY-hacks) from the big Brands (Apple, Fitbit etc) but I’ve been disappointed that the watch doesn’t actually measure your Blood Glucose or it has to involve your phone to view the measurement!

Has anyone had any luck finding small businesses, who manufacturer Non-invasive smartwatches?
Click to expand...
I haven't been on the forum for a while as sorting out insulins, headspace and keeping my Libre sensor on my arm when exercising, sleeping and showering. I tried patches initially (that just made my arm red and uncomfortable), now I wear an armband that has a clip that fits over the sensor and this works well. I move a lot at night and kept waking myself up when I leant on my sensor. This does not happen anymore and it keeps my sensor in place on the move too. As for getting the sensor wet this was when I was losing most of my sensors. I use the patches and the hard shell to protect my sensor that I remove when the area has been dried off. It means the patches are not on long enough for my skin to react and it does give some protection to the sensor. Once dried I use skin prep on the outer area to help keep the seal tight to my skin and put the armband on once I am ready to do so. I am still trying out other ways such as a waterproof sleeve so I can swim for longer. I hope this helps.
 
Bruce Stephens said:
I don't know of one. There are various companies saying they're about to release such smartwatches, but I think mostly when I read the details it turns out they need a sensor that fits on the smartwatch that needs replacing every week or two, so they're not really non-invasive, though they may well just be measuring something near the surface.

You might be better off looking at things that'll fix an existing sensor more securely? There are certainly straps and things for Libre sensors. I presume they exist for Dexcom sensors (when worn on the arm, I guess).
Click to expand...

Hi Bruce,
Thank you for sharing those links.

I just wanted too update you regarding my search. I recently came across this Glucose Monitor Smartwatch!??

I recently came across this by chance on Alibaba.

The company is Shandong Rayman Medical Systems Co., Ltd based in China. They have a website for more information; but the smartwatch seems to be recently launched into the market!

The company is a medical equipment’s manufacturer (info from their website). However, I cannot not find any reviews regarding this Non-invasive blood glucose meter!

The only information I can find is youtube videos; the comments has been turned-off…. no reviews.

I have provided more information regarding this watch, website and youtube videos!


Also I have e-mailed the company asking for more information regarding this smartwatch; glucose accuracy chart and also comparisons to the main Glucose Monitor’s used and sold in the general market?


I am still waiting for a response but I will post their response here; hopefully this information will help!

What do you think about… Raymans Non-invasive
blood glucose meter / smartwatch??


Alibaba: https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...tml?spm=a2700.pccps_detail.0.0.2af713a0PLTYqF

Rayman Medical Systems website: https://www.sdrayman.com/en/product/non-invasive-glucose-meter.html

YouTube:

YouTube:
 
Too everyone,

Viewing and reading this thread, please note the company I mentioned Shandong Rayman Medical Systems who manufacturer's the Non-invasive 
blood glucose smartwatch.

I finally found a customer review, expressing the smartwatch is not accurate. So please be warned!

Customer review 2 translation "The value of the measuring clock is false. Now it shows 16.65 and the meter shows 4.72"

I am really sorry for my previous post; I am not advertising or working for this company.
I just got excited there might be finally new tech on the horizon too finally solve getting rid of disposable sensors.

Link too reviews: https://sdrayman.en.alibaba.com/company_profile/feedback.html
 

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The behemoths that are Apple and Samsung have both been working - separately - for years and invested substantial amounts of money, trying to bring out their own watches with a non invasive glucose monitor feature in their respective Apple and Galaxy watches.

Neither Apple nor Samsung have been able to come up with a viable product so far. My understanding is that the science simply isn't ready yet.

As I understand it the problem revolves around getting a reliable and consistent glucose measurement from the epidermis by using a low powered beam of light or laser that can be converted by a reliable and consistent algorithm into a reliable and consistent proximate blood glucose measurement which a diabetic can rely on to make safe treatment decisions. And also finding and using a type of light/laser that won't damage or irritate the epidermis.

Now of course it is always possible that a significantly smaller entity without the financial, people and research and development resources of Apple or Samsumg may have come up with a "eureka" solution for a non invasive glucose monitor in smartwatch form.

But I doubt it.

Even if a viable non invasive glucose monitor built into a smartwatch exists, it is important to remember that so far no government-backed medical devices regulator anywhere in the world has been asked to review whether such a watch has undergone rigorous clinical trials and been authorised by a medical devices regulator that such a non invasive glucose monitor smartwatch (1) works and (2) is safe for use by diabetics.
 
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Fitbit are leading the patent race on this from what I've read. I'd wait for them, apple and Samsung to release the tech.

I'd give it another couple of years until the tech is approved personally
 
They must have been talking about it for about 30 years as far as I recall however I treat it exactly the same as expecting a cure in the next 10 years. Then, I won't be disappointed when it doesn't occur.
 
I really don't understand why people are so keen for new tech rather than really appreciating the tech we have now which is amazing. Maybe it is old fashioned to be content with what you have, but for me Libre is an absolute revelation and if nothing better ever comes along, I am very happy, incredibly grateful and appreciative of it.
 
rebrascora said:
I really don't understand why people are so keen for new tech rather than really appreciating the tech we have now which is amazing. Maybe it is old fashioned to be content with what you have, but for me Libre is an absolute revelation and if nothing better ever comes along, I am very happy, incredibly grateful and appreciative of it.
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I'm sure it's a combination of factors for different people. A big one is surely a hope that some really non-invasive gadget might end up cheaper, though I doubt that's very likely. It would also be quite nice to have something that can be removed for a bit (most of us enjoy an occasional naked bath or shower), and quite nice to have something that doesn't need a hole in the skin (albeit a small hole) and glue.

I still doubt it'll happen. The referenced devices claim to measure blood pressure, a variety of blood chemistry in addition to glucose (oxygen, kidney function, etc.). I guess it's conceivable they could do all those things (I can imagine if you have a tiny laser that can produce some interaction with blood then you could measure a variety of things), but I still doubt it.
 
Bruce Stephens said:
I don't know of one. There are various companies saying they're about to release such smartwatches, but I think mostly when I read the details it turns out they need a sensor that fits on the smartwatch that needs replacing every week or two, so they're not really non-invasive, though they may well just be measuring something near the surface.

You might be better off looking at things that'll fix an existing sensor more securely? There are certainly straps and things for Libre sensors. I presume they exist for Dexcom sensors (when worn on the arm, I guess).
Click to expand...
I used to have a lot of trouble with keeping the Medtronic sensors on until I used 4” x 4 3/4” tapes by Smith & Nephew IV3000. I have not lost any sensors since (6-7 years). Having been Type1 for 66 years I also needed a better place than my abdomen. I now use my thighs and get much better results. Abdomen quite unreliable results, thigh, much better though I still have to BG test about 4-5 times a day to give more accurate blood sugar readings.. I use 640 G pump and Type3 sensors. Looking forward to a 780G pump next October and Type4 sensors for CGM. Not fond of Medtronic because they run out of supplies on a regular basis, which seems unbelievably inefficient for an international company with a guaranteed audience needing regular supples of life saving medicine, but they have a much more alive help line than T-Slim.
Adamrit
 
I just found a useful and timely article which explains why getting a non-invasive glucose monitor in the form of a smartwatch that can be used by as many diabetics as possible approved by a recognised and trusted government-backed medical devices regulator is extremely difficult because of the science and multifaceted considerations that must be taken into account:

https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/18/...ood-glucose-monitoring-wearables-smartwatches
 
Personally, I wish the focus was kept on improving the stability of the existing sensors and eliminating the leading cause of false lows - namely, compression. It is rare for me to have a sensor that is stable during the first 24hrs and which lasts the advertised lifetime. It is also frustrating to be woken in the middle of the night with a false low simply because I leaned on my arm funnily.

To me, considering the physiological challenges involved, I find the notion of non-invasive glucose measurement to be unachievable in the short to medium term.
 
littlevoice359 said:
Personally, I wish the focus was kept on improving the stability of the existing sensors and eliminating the leading cause of false lows - namely, compression. It is rare for me to have a sensor that is stable during the first 24hrs and which lasts the advertised lifetime. It is also frustrating to be woken in the middle of the night with a false low simply because I leaned on my arm funnily.

To me, considering the physiological challenges involved, I find the notion of non-invasive glucose measurement to be unachievable in the short to medium term.
Click to expand...
I suspect the perfect device, will not exist as we are all different and respond differently.
 
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