Via MIT’s Technology Review, we’ve got more info on that nifty noninvasive blood sugar detector, which could let millions of diabetics dispense with their needles forever:
Ron Nagar and Benny Pesach, the founders of Glucon, Inc., have created a watch-like device that reads blood glucose levels without the need to stick, poke, or prick the skin. Based on photo-acoustics research first done at Tel Aviv University in Israel, their device uses lasers, ultrasound, and advanced software algorithms to get a reading that is as efficient and accurate as pin-prick tests. And, says Glucon’s CEO, Dan Goldberger, it won’t be any more costly than testing kits, which today average between $1,500 and $2,000 per year for a patient.
At the heart of the Glucon device is a laser tuned to a frequency that resonates with blood glucose. When the laser comes into contact with blood glucose, it creates sound waves emanating from the molecule. Then a miniaturized ultrasound sensor detects those sound waves and a computer chip translates the raw signals into usable data. The device is worn like a wristwatch. Data and warning signals — say, “Sudden glucose drop” — would appear on the faceplate of the device.
There’s still a lot of regulatory hurdles to overcome, but because the device doesn’t break the skin, they’ve got an edge over their competitors. The article also mentions the benefits of a Glucon watch for emergency room patients and personnel, and hints at future generations of sensors with wireless transmitters (the pictured device is a research prototype, and we expect commercial versions – possibly available within three years – to be a tad smaller).
Flashback: Glucon awarded US Patent.
More at Glucon…