Future Apple Watches May Predict Your Diabetes Risk

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but wearing an Apple device on your wrist could potentially replace them. The Apple Watch is already packed with various health-focused features, and according to a recent report by Mark Gurman, there’s a specific app in the works aimed at measuring blood sugar levels.

Apple has a reputation for maintaining secrecy about its projects, and this app development is taking that to a new level. A rigorous system of non-disclosure agreements and thorough vetting was implemented, meaning that comprehensive details about the app’s progress are scarce. Nevertheless, this initiative represents another significant advancement toward enabling users to monitor blood sugar without needing a needle.

Although this app isn’t slated for a public launch just yet, it serves more as a concept demonstration. Gurman mentions that the testing phase has been put on hold so Apple can concentrate on other health-related features. Given the multitude of projects Apple manages concurrently, this delay isn’t entirely unexpected.

The pursuit of a needle-free method for checking blood sugar has been ongoing for nearly 15 years. Initially known as Project E5, this endeavor was outside the usual scope of Apple’s operations, leading to the formation of a subsidiary, Avolonte Health LLC. However, that entity has since been reintegrated into Apple.

Nonetheless, Apple’s reach is significant. Just the prospect of an Apple-led solution for blood sugar measurement negatively impacted the stock values of two leading glucose monitoring companies. Abbott saw its shares dip by 2.9%, while Dexcom experienced a 5.3% drop.

At present, Apple is exploring how this information could be applied, but a truly needle-free blood sugar measurement solution is still “years away,” according to Gurman. The current laser technology aimed at glucose measurement isn’t yet accurate enough for reliable readings. The goal is for this technology to eventually provide users insights into their risk for diabetes.

Apple’s dedication to health is evident in the recent updates to the Apple Watch, which now includes features for detecting sleep apnea and enhanced vital sign tracking. Whether you’re committed to maintaining your health or just want to keep tabs on your physical well-being, the Apple Watch is emerging as one of the top fitness trackers available.