Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Meters: The Future of Diabetes Management?

With the use of conventional blood glucose meters, diabetic patients mainly face two issues. One is the skin puncturing that is necessary for blood sampling, in some cases, multiple times a day. Second, this puncture site can become infected adding to the already significant treatment burden. Therefore, scientists are opting for the development of non-invasive blood glucose meters that may address these issues. But how far are we in this invention?

In this article, let us dive into the research regarding these non-invasive blood glucose meters and understand how hopeful we should be in this quest. For the reader’s convenience, some of the best blood glucose meter brands available in the market have also been linked.

What are Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Meters?

The non-invasive blood glucose meters are hypothesized to be the blood glucose level (BGL) measuring systems that will not require a blood sample or access to the interstitial fluids as the case with continuous glucose monitors or CGMs.

How Will Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Meters Work?

The non-invasive blood glucose meters would work in different ways to estimate the BGL values. Some of these methods involve the following:

1.      AI-Based Image Analysis

These types of non-invasive blood glucose meters will utilize an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to capture and compare images of the patient’s skin. Using this data, the devices will make accurate estimations of the blood sugar levels without the need for a blood sample.

2.      Raman Spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is being considered one of the most promising methods when it comes to the development of non-invasive blood glucose meters. This technique works by identifying the glucose molecules because of the unique vibrations they produce under the skin when they interact with light.

However, the method still poses a problem as the vibrations from the molecules present within the layers of the skin are also recorded. This leads to a decreased accuracy level of such systems.

In some of the latest research, scientists claim to have solved this issue with great success. To do so, they have improved the non-invasive blood glucose meters in a way that the light signal only interacts with deeper skin layers which have a dense network of capillaries. This way, the accuracy of the system has been elevated.

3.      Optical and Optoacoustic Techniques

Optical and optoacoustic techniques measure the blood sugar level by sending a light and sound waves-based signal to the blood. These forms of energy detect the level of glucose only in the skin layers which have a vast network of blood capillaries.

Existing Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Meters

As soon as these ideas regarding the development of non-invasive blood glucose meters have come to light, several companies have become interested in the products. Some of them who have achieved success include the following:

SugarBEAT

SugarBEAT, a product of Nemaura Medical, is a small peel-and-place patch that has already been approved in Europe and awaits approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the US. These non-invasive blood glucose meters are to be placed on the skin for 24 hours after which they need replacement. The placement is assisted by the adhesive backing of the patch.

Once placed, the transmitter in these non-invasive blood glucose meters checks and transmits the blood glucose level readings to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The time interval between the readings is 5 minutes.

You might be wondering how this system works. The answer is the system generates a mild electric current into the skin. As a response to this electrical activity, some of the glucose molecules leave the interstitial space and come into the patch where they are sensed and recorded.

NovioSense

NovioSense is a Dutch startup that is focused on the development of non-invasive blood glucose meters. Their system includes the development of a glucose sensor that is to be placed under the lower eyelid. This device is constructed using a flexible metallic coil that has a length of less than 2 centimeters (cm) with a diameter of nearly 1.5 millimeters (mm).

An added layer of soft hydrogel makes the coil easy to attach to the skin. The device works by measuring the glucose level from the tear fluid. The reading is then sent to a smartphone. This NovioSense Tear Glucose Sensor has successfully passed the phase 2 clinical trials.

Scanbo

Scanbo, a British Columbia-based artificial intelligence company, announced the development of a non-invasive 60-second finger measurement system. The idea is to put the patient’s fingers on the flat white sensor for 1 minute. The algorithm of the system checks the glucose levels from the blood capillaries and gives a BGL value.

Know Labs

Know Labs is a Washington-based company that has also joined the race to develop non-invasive blood glucose meters. They are currently working on two devices, both of which use radio waves to measure the blood glucose level. One of the devices is of a writs-band style called UBand while the other is a finger-scanning system known as KnowU. However, these devices still await an FDA clearance.

DiaMonTech

Another spectroscopy-based invention in the domain of non-invasive blood glucose meters has been made by DiaMonTech, a German company. The system involves the use of light to detect the concentration of glucose in the blood. Based on this working principle, three products are currently in line. These include:

• A small D-sensor that comes in the form of a watch or a fitness band (still in the developmental phase with the partnership with Samsung)
• A phone-like D-Pocket handheld receiver on which the finger is pressed for glucose estimation (still in the developmental phase)
• A shoebox-sized device for office use

LifePlus

LIfePlus is a US-based startup that is focused on the development of non-invasive wearable wristwatches for the measurement of blood glucose levels. These types of non-invasive blood glucose meters, named LifeLeaf, have vast functionality as the system is claimed to estimate blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, as well as detect sleep apnea in addition to blood glucose levels.

Afon Technology

Afon Technology, a Wales-based startup, has been focusing on the development of a sensor that can be fitted into the smartwatch band. These non-invasive blood glucose meters sense and provide real-time blood glucose level data. In addition, the system can also indicate whenever the patient has either high or low BGL levels as compared to the target range.

These Afon Glucowear bands are available online and can be ordered from their website. The device has been claimed to be suitable for patients with Type 1, Type 2, and gestation diabetes. Moreover, these can also be used for rarer forms of diabetes such as Type 3c as well as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).

Conventional Blood Glucose Meters at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Blood glucose monitoring on a daily basis is considered essential for people living with diabetes. This is because a regular estimation projects the patient’s condition in a proper way. Based on these measurements, the healthcare providers can set suitable dosage regimens as well as suggest the necessary lifestyle modifications.

When it comes to learning about different types of blood glucose meters, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:

Roche Accu-Chek® Guide Blood Glucose Meter

US$62.88 to $620.88

Product Details

Roche Accu-Chek® Guide blood glucose meters are devices that can take a blood sample from different body parts including the fingertips, palm, as well as upper arms. The time required for the system to test the sample and display the results is around 4 seconds.

As for the power source, these Roche Accu-Chek® Guide blood glucose meters come with two 3-volt coin-cell batteries. Moreover, these blood glucose meters have test strips packed in a pill-resistant SmartPack vial to keep them free from contaminants.

In addition, these Roche Accu-Chek® Guide blood glucose meters are easy to use and produce reliable BGL results. The test strips can be inserted and ejected from the glucose meter with just a single push button operation. Furthermore, the backlit screen offers easy result reading even in dim light.

OneTouch Ultra Plus Flex Meter

US$47.88

Product Details

OneTouch Ultra Plus flex meters are user-friendly systems that are ideal for diabetic patients who are going to use a glucose meter for the very first time. The features of the device are easy to use and the readings can be interpreted quickly.

Moreover, these OneTouch Ultra Plus flex meters have high accuracy due to the 500 times checking of each blood sample. These seamless blood glucose monitoring systems can be connected to a smartphone or any other display device via Bluetooth.

GUIDEME Accu-Chek Guide ME Meter Care Kit

US$22.88

Product Details

GUIDEME Accu-Chek Guide ME meter care kits come with an Accu-Chek Guide ME blood glucose meter, 10 Softclix lancets, an Accu-Chek Softclix lancing device, and an instructions guide. In addition, a hard shell carrying case is provided to keep the components safe.

Moreover, these GUIDEME Accu-Chek Guide ME meters take very little time to produce results with high reliability. A spill-resistant SmartPack vial is also provided to keep the test strips secure. These glucose meters can be connected to a smartphone with mySugr app via Bluetooth.

GUIDEMTR Accu-Chek Guide Meter Kit Includes FastClix lancing Device with 6 Lancets (1 Drum)

US$47.88

Product Details

GUIDEMTR Accu-Chek Guide meter kits have an Accu-Chek Guide blood glucose meter that is known for its high accuracy. The device takes 4 seconds to produce the results which are then displayed on a clear display screen.

Apart from the Accu-Chek Guide blood glucose meter, each GUIDEMTR Accu-Chek Guide meter kit also contains a FastClix lancing device for skin pricking. A drum containing 6 individually packed lancets is also provided. In addition, the test strips are also part of the kit which come in a secure spill-resistant test strip container.

Glucocard Shine Connex Blood Glucose Meter Kit

US$48.88

Product Details

Glucocard Shine Connex blood glucose meter kits have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These are currently in the post-marketing surveillance phase. The items are easy to use as their no-coding technology has rendered them highly user-friendly.

Each Glucocard Shine Connex blood glucose meter kit contains a Glucocard Shine Connex blood glucose meter, test strips, a lancing device, sterile lancets, as well as a carrying case to store all the components.

Moreover, these Glucocard Shine Connex blood glucose meters are also suitable for use among people who have poor vision or need to employ the device during nighttime due to their backlit display.

*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

Many different types of blood glucose meters mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the different types of blood glucose meters.

Summary

Regular blood glucose monitoring is a crucial step when it comes to managing diabetes. The patients need to take their blood samples daily and record their BGL in the log book. However, despite the importance of these measurements, the pain and discomfort associated with frequent pricking is undeniable.

Therefore, the development of non-invasive blood glucose meters has been focused on. These non-invasive blood glucose meters include devices of various forms and sizes that can detect a person’s blood sugar level without needing a blood sample. Some of these are to be worn like a wristband while others are patches. Whatever the case may be, it is evident that these non-invasive blood glucose meters are here to stay and shift the future of blood glucose measurement methods towards the brighter side.

As several types of invasive as well as non-invasive blood glucose meters are required in healthcare facilities as well as home settings, these should be bought and kept in calibrated form to accommodate extensive use. For purchasing different types of blood glucose meters, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-024-01016-9

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388723552_Subcutaneous_depth-selective_spectral_imaging_with_mmSORS_enables_noninvasive_glucose_monitoring