FDA approves Android glucose meter
The FDA in the US has approved Philosys' portable blood glucose monitor for Android-based smartphones, following an approval for iOS devices earlier this year. The Gmate Blood Glucose Monitoring System plugs into the device via the headphone jack, and communicates with a companion app, allowing diabetes sufferers to track the results of their glucose readings and communicate results to a medical professional. Increasing numbers of blood glucose monitors that interface with smartphones are hitting the market, with Dexcom receiving FDA approval for its app-based solution earlier this year. 

Philosys, secured approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a portable blood glucose meter that hooks into Android devices through the headphone jack. It had previously received 510(k) clearance for a version of the device for iOS network devices.

The Gmate SMART Blood Glucose Monitoring System and companion app is designed to give fast, accurate blood glucose test results using an electrochemical sensor.

The companion app helps users view results of these tests over time so they can do a better job of managing their condition. It’s designed to support goal setting, and lets users email or text their test results to a family member or physician. It claims to store an unlimited number of tests, which are date and time stamped. Users can also add comments, actions or notes for each test result.

Philosys is part of a broader trend of innovative approaches to blood glucose monitors and meters connected to smartphones. So far Decosys looks like the smallest and cheapest of the smartphone connected meters to date. Earlier this year, Dexcom got FDA approval clearance for apps to continuously monitor blood-glucose levels.