The Apple Watch has become another link in Apple’s framework to protect user health. In recent years we have seen how new health tools have been introduced into the watch such as detecting arrhythmias, performing electrocardiograms or detecting oxygen saturation. We have heard for a long time about integration of a blood sugar measurement system via Apple Watch. However, the FDA Warns Consumers There Are No Authorized Products to measure blood sugar levels today and that those who advertise them may harm the health of diabetics.
FDA: “These devices do not analyze blood sugar”
With technology similar to the detection of oxygen saturation in the blood, Apple is working on a blood sugar detection system, which would help diabetics control their disease and detect urgent pathologies in a certain population. This technology would be based on optical absorption spectroscopy using a laser which, by illuminating under the skin, is able to send back information on the amount of glucose in the blood.
However, due to the proliferation of unauthorized devices claiming to be able to measure blood sugar, the The FDA had to issue a statement warning about this:
The FDA has not authorized or approved any smart watch or smart ring intended to measure or estimate blood glucose values on its own.
Part of the problem is that there are two possible types of technology. The first we talked about, the detection without any external element that determines blood sugar levels and, on the other hand, the continuous determination of blood sugar levels thanks to a sensor constantly inserted into the user and which can be consulted through an application 24 hours on 24. day. This latest sensor is already on the market.
FDA Recommendations
Smart watches and rings being sold claim to measure glucose without needing to be pricked This is a real mistake and this is what the FDA ruled and issued a series of recommendations to avoid deception and the safety of diabetics, in part, who could be affected by erroneous measurements and treatments higher or lower than those recommended:
- Do not buy or use smart watches or smart rings claiming to measure blood sugar. These devices can be sold online or directly from the seller.
- Please note that the FDA has not reviewed the safety and effectiveness of these devices and their use could result in inaccurate blood glucose readings.
- If your health care depends on accurate blood sugar measurements, talk to your doctor about an FDA-approved device that’s right for your needs.
