- Kyle Chua
Samsung Developing Own Non-Invasive Glucose Monitor To Compete With Apple
Apple isn't the only tech giant developing a non-invasive blood sugar monitor.
Samsung announced that it too is developing a solution that would allow it to put a glucose monitor on its health-centric consumer devices, including the just-announced Galaxy Ring.
Dr Pak Hon, Samsung’s Mobile Digital Health Chief and the executive overseeing the development, said the aim is to eventually provide consumers a complete picture of their well-being through sensors on the different devices they use and carry. As to when consumers can expect the innovation is yet uncertain, but Dr Pak hopes some form of it could be implemented and brought to market within the next five years.
"If we can do continuous blood pressure and glucose, we’re in a whole different ball game,” said Dr Pak in an interview. "I think that’s where everyone is trying to get to. We’re putting significant investment towards that."
His comments come after Samsung's announcement of the Galaxy Ring, a ring with various health sensors to track users' activities and sleep patterns, among other metrics. The wearable device, which comes in a range of sizes and colours, is expected to be released before the end of 2024. Dr Pak added that Samsung has yet to finalise the price of the ring.
The ring is reportedly meant to be an alternative for users who want to track different health metrics but don't want to wear a watch.
The development of a non-invasive blood sugar monitor could prove to be challenging. Apple has been trying to come up with its own solution since 2010 and has made some progress, according to Bloomberg News. Still, the solution has yet to find its way into any of the tech giant's products. Current products on the market typically require a blood draw or a prick in the skin.
Currently, finger stick monitors are the mainstays in diabetes management products. These monitors involve pricking users' finger to obtain a blood sample several times a day. This process is not only time-consuming but can also be painful, which is why tech companies have long been trying to develop alternatives.
Dr Pak said Samsung is also trying to improve its blood pressure tracking feature, with the aim of having it go longer without the need to be recalibrated. Apple, on the other hand, is looking to add hypertension detection to its smartwatch this year. The feature doesn't require calibration but does not provide exact readings. What it does is it informs users that they may have elevated blood pressure.
"Whether it’s Apple or others, I think we are trying to redefine blood pressure in a way that it was originally intended, which is: ‘How much cardiovascular risk do you have?’," said Dr Pak.
Apart from smart rings and watches, Samsung is also exploring bringing health sensors to its earbuds. Ear sensors could better measure body temperature and heart rates than the wrist, having a closer pathway to the heart. The data it gathers can be combined with other data from the wrist to provide users with a more comprehensive picture of their health.
Samsung said it's developing a solution that would allow it to put a non-invasive glucose monitor on its health-centric consumer devices.
The aim of which is to eventually provide consumers a complete picture of their well-being through sensors on the different devices they use and carry.
Samsung is also trying to improve its blood pressure tracking feature, with the aim of having it go longer without the need to be recalibrated.