Apple Watch diabetes monitor in the works
Apple CEO Tim Cook has been spotted testing a prototype glucose monitor that is connected to his Apple Watch, according to sources at the tech giant's Palo Alto campus. The firm is presently working on developing non-invasive, continuous glucose monitoring technologies, which could be used in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. Patients currently use glucose monitors that require them prick their fingers to track blood sugar fluctuations: CNBC.
CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, has been spotted wearing a prototype glucose monitor that was connected to his Apple Watch.

The report comes CNBC with its sources stating that Cook was wearing the device at Apple’s campus in Cupertino, California.

Whilst details are currently scarce, it follows previous reports that indicate that Apple have a team in Palo Alto working on technology to benefit people with diabetes through non-invasive continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

In February, Cook had met with students at Glasgow University, stating: “I’ve been wearing a continuous glucose monitor for a few weeks, I just took it off before coming on this trip.”

CGMs are becoming more commonly used by people with type 1 diabetes and they are also attracting interest from people with type 2 diabetes. They are able to take thousands of glucose readings a day and continuous trend patterns without having to take multiple blood tests.

Tim Cook acknowledged to the students that the devices could play a very useful part in preventing type 2 diabetes: “There is lots of hope out there that if someone has constant knowledge of what they’re eating, they can instantly know what causes the response… and that they can adjust well before they become diabetic.”

One of the barriers to tech companies face is the fact that monitoring devices for diabetes need to pass through intense scrutiny from regulatory authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. This helps to ensure that devices are safe and fit for purpose, however, it slows down technological progress.

By focusing the device on its use in people without diabetes, it would enable technology companies to develop their products without the risk of harm and without the regulatory hurdles to cross.

If the products are successful, it could allow problems to be ironed out before they are submitted for FDA approval. For now, we will continue to watch this space for new developments in the world of the giant tech companies and diabetes.