Light-Based Device Offers Painless Glucose Checks

Quick Smiles:

• New MIT device measures glucose levels using light instead of needles.
• The noninvasive monitor is accurate and now being tested as a wearable prototype.
• The technology could make daily glucose checks easier and more comfortable.

MIT scientists have developed a breakthrough device that uses near-infrared light to measure blood glucose levels, eliminating the need for finger pricks. This innovation brings hope to millions with diabetes, offering a painless and convenient alternative to traditional testing.

During tests, the shoebox-sized device produced readings similar to commercial monitors that require sensors under the skin. Inspired by this success, the team created a wearable version now being trialed in a small clinical study.

“For a long time, the finger stick has been the standard method for measuring blood sugar, but nobody wants to prick their finger every day, multiple times a day,” says Jeon Woong Kang, senior author of the study.

MIT postdoc Arianna Bresci, the study’s lead author, notes that their technology relies on Raman spectroscopy, which identifies glucose levels by analyzing how light interacts with skin molecules. A recent breakthrough lets them filter the unique glucose signal more effectively, allowing them to build a smaller and more affordable device.

“With this new approach, we can change the components commonly used in Raman-based devices, and save space, time, and cost,” Bresci told MIT News.

Clinical studies at MIT have already shown promising results, with each measurement taking just over 30 seconds. The researchers are now working towards an even smaller version, about the size of a watch, and plan to expand their studies to include people with diabetes next year.

This technology could empower more people to regularly check their glucose levels, helping to prevent complications and support better health.

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