# Apple Watch Glucose Level Tracking: A Move Towards Non-Invasive Health Innovations
For quite some time, Apple has been rumored to include glucose level tracking within its Apple Watch series, a feature that reportedly originated with the very first model. In spite of more than ten years of speculation and eagerness, this function has not yet become a reality. Nevertheless, recent progress indicates that we may be approaching a significant advancement in non-invasive glucose assessment.
## Importance of Glucose Level Tracking
According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 10% of adults suffer from diabetes, with almost half of these individuals unaware of their status. Diabetes ranks as a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and the dangers are particularly pronounced for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes prior to age 40. Timely detection is vital for effective handling and treatment, yet existing glucose monitoring tools are invasive, necessitating a needle to penetrate the skin. This invasive characteristic restricts use primarily to individuals already at risk.
## Non-Invasive Device Currently Under Clinical Assessment
The pursuit of non-invasive glucose monitoring has been a major focus within health technology. Should this effort succeed, incorporating this feature into widely utilized devices like the Apple Watch could significantly impact public health. One encouraging approach involves analyzing acetone levels in breath, which can signal increasing blood glucose levels.
A device named Isaac, which is presently in clinical testing, employs this method. It is crafted to be worn as a pendant, measuring volatile organic compounds in breath to identify biomarkers linked to glucose levels. The device is undergoing active trials at Indiana University, evaluating its efficacy against traditional glucose monitoring techniques, beginning with adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and later expanding to adults with type 2 diabetes. The trials aim for regulatory assessment by the FDA soon.
## This Technology May Find Its Way into an Apple Watch
The Isaac device functions by having users exhale into it, delivering a quick reading rather than continuous observation. While this technique facilitates daily assessments, each test only requires a few seconds. The challenge is to miniaturize the technology to fit into the streamlined design of an Apple Watch, as the current dimensions of the Isaac are comparable to that of the watch itself.
If the Isaac device secures FDA approval, it could set the stage for similar technology to be incorporated into future Apple Watch iterations. This advancement would mark a significant leap in wearable health technology, potentially allowing millions to monitor their glucose levels easily and non-invasively.
In conclusion, as the field of health technology progresses, the addition of non-invasive glucose level tracking into devices like the Apple Watch could transform diabetes management and early detection, ultimately preserving lives and enhancing health outcomes for countless individuals.