Apple has been rumored to be developing noninvasive blood glucose monitoring technology. According to a report from Bloomberg, the company has recently tested an application aimed at assisting individuals with prediabetes in managing their condition more effectively.
The Bloomberg report, which cites anonymous sources within Apple, mentions that the application required Apple employees to confirm their prediabetic status through a blood test. Once validated, these employees used various market-available devices to monitor their blood sugar levels and logged dietary changes.
Prediabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, and it increases the risk of progressing to Type 2 diabetes. Although diabetes cannot be cured, prediabetes can potentially be reversed by implementing dietary and exercise changes. The concept behind the app was to demonstrate how different dietary choices impact blood sugar levels. For instance, a meal high in carbohydrates might raise blood sugar significantly, but adding protein could mitigate this effect.
The report outlines that the app was designed to explore how Apple might develop tools utilizing blood sugar data. However, Bloomberg indicates that Apple has shifted its focus from the app to concentrate on other health features. Despite this, the insights gained might inform Apple’s future health technology products.
In the broader context, metabolic health tracking is an emerging trend in wearable technology. Earlier this year, companies like Dexcom and Abbott introduced over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) targeting prediabetics, non-diabetics, and Type 2 diabetics who do not require insulin. Other startups, such as Nutrisense and Levels, offer CGM data to help individuals lose weight, optimize endurance sports performance, or understand how certain foods affect their blood sugar.
Considering this trend, Apple’s interest in this area is not unexpected. The company has generally avoided developing its own food logging solutions while increasing integrations with third-party CGMs. Apple has been reportedly working for approximately 15 years on noninvasive blood glucose monitoring, a project that is still likely some years from completion.