https://9to5mac.com/2024/02/21/fda-smartwatches-blood-glucose/ Skip to main content Toggle main menu Go to the 9to5Mac home page Switch site * * * * * * * * * * Toggle social menu * * * Toggle dark mode Toggle search form Search for: [ ] Submit * 9to5Toys * 9to5Google * Electrek * DroneDJ * Space Explored * About * Privacy * Exclusives * Store * Podcasts + Apple@Work + Happy Hour + 9to5Mac Daily * Vision + Vision Pro + visionOS + Hands-on * iPhone + iPhone + iPhone 14 + iPhone 15 + iPhone 16 + iOS 17 * Mac + Mac + MacBook Pro + MacBook Air + iMac + Mac mini + Mac Studio + Mac Pro + macOS Sonoma * Watch + Apple Watch + Apple Watch Ultra + Apple Health + Apple Watch SE + Apple Watch Series 9 + watchOS 10 * iPad + iPad Pro + iPad Air + iPad mini + iPad + iPadOS + iPadOS 17 * Music and TV + Apple Music + AirPods + HomePod + Apple TV + tvOS 17 * Guides + Reviews + How Tos + AAPL + Apple Store + Apple Arcade + Apple Card + Apple Silicon + Apple One + Apple Fitness+ + CarPlay + Siri + HomeKit * * * * * * * * * * * * * Toggle dark mode * Apple Watch * FDA FDA stands against using smartwatches to monitor blood glucose levels Avatar for Filipe Esposito Filipe Esposito | Feb 21 2024 - 3:33 pm PT 24 Comments Apple Watch health sensors oxymeter blood glucose smartwatch Apple and other tech companies have been working on new non-invasive methods to monitor blood glucose levels through smartwatches and similar devices. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now come out against such technology, claiming that it's not accurate and could lead to patients being misdiagnosed. FDA says users shouldn't trust smartwatches to measure blood glucose An article shared by the health agency (via Reuters) on Wednesday argues that wearable devices that measure blood glucose levels without piercing the skin can result in "inaccurate measurements." FDA emphasizes that there are currently no smartwatches and similar devices capable of directly testing blood glucose levels. The agency says that people who rely on constant measurement of blood glucose levels - such as those with diabetes - may end up taking the wrong dose of insulin or other medications if the results are not accurate. "Taking too much of these medications can quickly lead to dangerously low glucose, leading to mental confusion, coma, or death," says FDA. The FDA also notes that it has never certified any devices capable of measuring blood glucose levels without piercing the skin. "Sellers of these smartwatches and smart rings claim their devices measure blood glucose levels without requiring people to prick their finger or pierce the skin. They claim to use non-invasive techniques," the agency states. Top comment by Punk Smurph Liked by 13 people Nothing is going to replace my blood testing for my levels, but throughout the day I would like a measurement that I can use to gauge if I should retest mid day. There are other non-invasive monitors and even those tell you that drawing blood is the best method when you readings are not in expected ranges. No one should be using this to replace blood drawing, just monitor when they need to test. View all comments For now, the only wearable devices certified by the FDA to measure blood glucose levels are continuous glucose monitoring devices (CGMs), such as the Dexcom G7. Apple Watch health smartwatch Apple wants to bring such technology to the Apple Watch As we mentioned earlier, Apple has been putting a lot of effort into developing a technology to measure blood glucose levels with the Apple Watch without piercing the skin. Although this is a very ambitious project, Bloomberg reported last year that the company has already reached "major milestones" with its prototypes. The company has been experimenting with a technology known as silicon photonics and a process called optical absorption spectroscopy that uses lasers to emit wavelengths of light into an area under the skin where there's interstitial fluid with substances that can be absorbed by glucose. Of course, given the importance of this feature, it seems unlikely that Apple would make it available to users without FDA approval. It's worth noting that the FDA has certified the Apple Watch as capable of taking electrocardiograms and monitoring atrial fibrillation history. 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FDA FDA Author Avatar for Filipe Esposito Filipe Esposito https://www.threads.net/ filipe.esposito Filipe Esposito is a Brazilian tech Journalist who started covering Apple news on iHelp BR with some exclusive scoops -- including the reveal of the new Apple Watch Series 5 models in titanium and ceramic. He joined 9to5Mac to share even more tech news around the world.