Less invasive method of monitoring blood sugar levels in development

Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada have combined radar and artificial intelligence to detect changes in glucose levels without the need to draw blood daily. The system uses a small radar device, jointly developed by Google and Infineon, to send high-frequency radio waves into glucose liquids and receive radio waves back. This is then converted into digital data which is analysed by machine-learning AI algorithms and sent wirelessly to computers.

The results from the first tests with volunteers at the Research Institute for Aging in Waterloo were 85% as accurate as traditional methods. George Shaker, an engineering professor and team leader on the concept said: “We want to sense blood inside the body without actually having to sample any fluid. Our hope is this can be realised as a smartwatch to monitor glucose continuously. I’m hoping we’ll see a wearable device on the market within the next five years.”