Apple has long been rumored to be working on non-invasive blood sugar monitoring. Now, bloomberg According to the report, the company tested an app to help pre-diabetic patients better manage their condition.
Citing an anonymous Apple source: bloomberg The app said it required Apple employees to prove they were pre-diabetic through a blood test. Employees then used “a variety of commercially available devices” to monitor their blood sugar levels and record changes related to the food they were eating.
Prediabetes is a metabolic condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Although diabetes cannot be cured, prediabetes can be reversed through dietary and exercise interventions. The idea of an app like this is to show people how different choices affect their blood sugar levels. For example, a meal high in carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to spike, but combining protein in the same meal can slow the rise in blood sugar levels.
The report notes that the app was intended to explore what tools Apple could develop using blood sugar data. but, bloomberg Apple also said it has since paused development of the app to focus on other health features. Still, it’s possible that Apple could use the findings in future medical technology products.
On a larger scale, metabolic health tracking is a burgeoning wearable trend. Earlier this year, Dexcom and Abbott both launched over-the-counter CGMs aimed at pre-diabetic, non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients who do not use insulin. There are also continuous glucose monitor (CGM) startups like Nutrisense and Levels that use CGM data to help people lose weight, fuel for endurance sports, and learn how certain foods affect blood sugar levels. We support you.
Considering all this, it’s no surprise to hear that Apple is interested in exploring this area. First, it largely avoids native food logging while also enhancing third-party CGM integration. Apple itself has reportedly spent about 15 years on a way to non-invasively monitor blood sugar levels, but the project could still be years away from completion.
