Raul Wins | February 22, 2023
Apple recently announced plans to introduce new technology to its Apple Watch smartwatch that will allow users to measure blood sugar levels and detect early signs of diabetes. The objective of this project called dubbed E5 is to measure glucose levels in the blood without the need for punctures in the skin.
The news caused a stir and was well received by health professionals and diabetics of all the world. The measurement in question, called Absorption Spectroscopy, is used to measure the amount of glucose in the blood through a chip called silicon photonics.
According to Manzana, The system uses a laser to shine light of a specific wavelength into the area under the skin where there is interstitial fluid (a substance that leaks from capillaries) that can be absorbed by glucose. The light is then reflected back to the sensor in a way that indicates the glucose concentration. An algorithm then determines the person’s blood sugar level. This information will be sent to the Apple Watch app, where the user can see their blood sugar levels and receive alerts if their levels get too high or too low.
Medical experts have welcomed the technology, saying it could be especially useful for people who already have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. Being able to monitor blood sugar levels in a convenient, non-invasive way can help people better manage their disease and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
This method can also be useful for people who have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes. The first signs of the disease can be subtle and hard to see, but with real-time blood sugar monitoring, people can spot any problems before they become serious. It should be noted that this technology is not yet available on the Apple Watch and is still undergoing testing to ensure its accuracy and reliability. It is also not known when the technology will be released or if it will be available in all models of apple watch.
Despite these lingering details, the news of the introduction of NIRS technology in the Apple Watch is an encouraging sign for diabetics and those at risk. Being able to monitor blood sugar levels in a convenient and non-invasive way can help people manage their disease more effectively and improve their overall quality of life. Finally, Apple’s plans to bring new diabetes management technology to its Apple Watch smartwatch is an exciting and promising development. As more tests are completed and more details are released, we will see how this technology can help people fight diabetes and other related health conditions.
