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Imagine a future where people with diabetes can monitor their blood sugar levels with a smartwatch instead of pricking their fingers. Engineers at the University of Waterloo have made significant strides toward this goal, developing radar-based technology that enables continuous, non-invasive glucose monitoring through a wearable device. This advancement may not only transform diabetes care but also holds potential for monitoring additional health data as the technology matures.
The system, developed by Dr. George Shaker and his team in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo, eliminates the need for traditional invasive methods of glucose monitoring. Currently, people with diabetes rely on finger pricks or wearable devices with micro-needles to track blood sugar levels. By contrast, this new technology relies on a radar chip, an engineered “meta-surface” to enhance signal accuracy, and microcontrollers equipped with artificial intelligence algorithms to interpret data. “Just like you use glasses to improve your vision, our technology helps for better sensing of glucose levels,” explained Dr. Shaker.
The radar technology in this device is inspired by the same principles as weather satellites, which use radar to measure atmospheric changes. Shaker’s team has miniaturized these radar systems for use on a wearable device, enabling them to detect changes in the human body, such as fluctuations in glucose levels. The use of an advanced meta-surface—a key component developed by Shaker’s team—enhances the resolution and sensitivity of the radar, allowing for highly accurate glucose readings without the need for direct contact with the bloodstream.
This technology holds great promise for individuals managing diabetes, as it reduces the pain and inconvenience associated with current monitoring methods. Non-invasive glucose monitoring can significantly improve the quality of life for people with diabetes, minimizing risks of infection and eliminating the need for frequent skin punctures. Furthermore, as the device becomes optimized for battery use, it is expected to offer even greater portability and convenience.
While the initial focus is on glucose monitoring, Shaker and his team are also exploring ways to adapt their radar-based system to measure other specific health metrics, such as blood pressure. This extension could broaden the impact of their work in chronic disease management and enhance the capabilities of wearable health technology in future applications.
The device is already being tested in clinical trials as a minimum viable product, with the team collaborating with industry partners to bring the technology to market in the next generation of wearables. While the current prototype still relies on a USB connection for power, the team aims to transition to battery power to improve the device's portability and user-friendliness. As Shaker explained, while further development is necessary, this technology is closer than ever to becoming a practical, marketable solution.
This advancement, recently highlighted in Nature’s Communications Engineering, marks a promising development in wearable health technology. By eliminating the need for invasive procedures, the University of Waterloo’s innovation could transform daily diabetes management and, eventually, contribute to broader remote health monitoring capabilities.