Jacob Brown
On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned against using smartwatches and rings claiming to measure blood sugar levels for medical purposes without piercing the skin, citing potential dangers.
Warning Against Noninvasive Blood Sugar Measurement Devices:
The FDA warned that smartwatches and rings that claim to measure blood sugar levels without skin piercing could be dangerous. The caution extends to all brands making such claims, as the agency has not authorized any device.
The FDA clarified that its notice does not pertain to smartwatch apps linked to sensors, like continuous glucose monitoring systems, which directly measure blood sugar.
The Importance of Accurate Blood Sugar Monitoring for Diabetes Management:
Approximately 37 million Americans have diabetes, necessitating regular blood sugar monitoring to manage the condition effectively. Current methods include finger prick tests or continuous glucose monitoring with sensors under the skin.
Using unapproved smartwatches and smart ring devices for blood sugar measurement can lead to inaccurate readings, posing potentially devastating consequences. Incorrect doses of medication could result in dangerous blood sugar levels, leading to difficulties such as mental confusion, coma, or even death.
Challenges in Developing Noninvasive Blood Sugar Measurement Technology:
While several companies are working on noninvasive blood sugar measurement devices, none have secured FDA approval due to accuracy and security concerns.
Existing technology in smartwatches and rings, designed for metrics like heart rate and blood oxygen, lacks the accuracy required for blood sugar measurement. Similarly, efforts to measure blood sugar in fluids such as tears, sweat, and saliva are unreliable.
Seeking FDA-Cleared Solutions:
Consumers seeking accurate blood sugar measurements are advised to purchase FDA-cleared blood glucose monitors from pharmacies. These FDA-approved devices carry minimal risk compared to unapproved alternatives.
