The following links explore new methods in non-invasive, semi-invasive, and subcutaneous, measuring of blood glucose. We will examine the research behind these new technologies, how each new technique works, FDA status, and the companies involved with the funding of each project.
| Icon Key | ||
|---|---|---|
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Non-Invasive | Measures glucose without breaking the skin. |
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Semi-Invasive | Measures glucose with a minimal breech of the outer skin layers. |
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Surgical | Measures glucose by means of an implanted device. |
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Continuous | Measures glucose at a constant. |
Meters
iBGStar by Sanofi
The iBGStar Blood Glucose Monitoring System by AgaMatrix received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on December 7, 2011. Many people are using smartphones to make their everyday lives easier. Having to carry around a separate blood glucose meter about the size of an iPhone can be inconvenient for some. The iBGStar is a small meter that attaches directly to an iPhone or iPod touch via the 30-Pin connector port.
Monitors
Hypomon by AIMedics 
AiMedics, established in October 2001 as a commercial spin-off of the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), specializes in non-invasive monitoring for various diseases, including diabetes, epilepsy, fatigue and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. One of AiMedics' primary focuses is the development of HypoMon®, a real-time, non-invasive, device that detects low blood glucose levels in people with diabetes who use insulin.
The Glucoday S by A.Menarini Diagnostics 
Only the size of a portable audio device like a Walkman tape player, this device features: a one point calibration per 48 hour monitoring period, wireless real-time display on instrument and pc, blind or displayed mode operation, alarm (buzzer or vibration) in case of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, less than 2 min delay in response time, long life on board biosensor (up to 6 months after the first use at room temperature) and an accessible data base.
Photonic Glucose Sensor by Cybiocare
Cybiocare is proud to introduce the world’s first Optical Hypoglycemia Detector (OHD), now in full prototype and testing stage. The Cybiocare OHD is designed as a totally non-invasive way to help prevent hypoglycemia among the millions of people with diabetes today. Upon completion, the wearable, watch-size Cybiocare OHD will warn diabetics when blood glucose drops below a certain critical level.
Scout DS by VeraLight
The Scout DS is a non-invasive, near-infrared screening device for pre and Type 2 diabetes. Described as an optical skin test, the goal is for the device to replace conventional screening so no blood is drawn or fasting is necessary. The technology is based around detecting Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) in the skin. AGE levels are typically higher in people with diabetes. Previous testing of AGE values were done using a punch biopsy of the skin and only a few labs could actually complete the test.
Silicon Microneedle by Kumetrix
Kumetrix is engineering silicon microneedles designed to draw blood and perform chemical measurements. Their micro-needle is about the size of a human hair, as can be seen in the picture below, and has been integrated with a micro-reservoir or cuvette.
Lightouch Medical
LighTouch Medical measures blood glucose noninvasively by projecting a specific color of light into the user’s fingertip. The light that bounces back to the monitor is analyzed for blood glucose results. The technique is based off of Raman-based spectroscopy. It specifically monitors a patient’s hematocrit levels and other medically useful blood analytes.
Optiscan
Optiscan, a privately-held company in Hayward, California, has developed a continuous bedside glucose monitoring system called the OptiScanner. It is currently being developed for use with terminally ill patients. Unlike the Near-IR approach, Optiscan opted to measure glucose in the middle infrared or Mid-IR range. One big advantage of using this IR region is that there is minimal interference from other molecules like urea. Another is that blackbody radiation can be used, ie, the device can actually use the human body's own inherent radiation, rather than apply an external radiation source.
Orsense
OrSense Ltd. is a medical device company based in Israel. Their first product, the NBM 200-G is based on its proprietary Occlusion Spectroscopy technology. Orsense claims this technology overcomes obstacles that have plagued other companies attempting to measure glucose optically through the skin.
Sensors for Medicine and Science 
SMSI is attempting to develop a glucose sensor that would be implanted under the skin for a full year. Their novel approach uses an extremely tiny light-emitting diode or LED near a separate photodiode receiver, like the ones in solar powered calculators, that was able to measure light.
Sentek
Sentek Group, Inc. is developing a non-invasive diagnostic tool targeting diabetes patients that uses a patented Crystalline Colloidal Array (CCA) technology exclusively licensed from the University of Pittsburgh. While Sentek plans to exploit several applications of the technology, the company’s first commercial efforts are for the Glucoview ocular insert that will enable diabetics to continuously monitor their blood glucose levels, and unlike most competing technologies, it will not require finger stabs.
Sontra
Sontra's continous non-invasive glucose monitor, the Symphony™ Diabetes Management System, is being co-developed with Bayer Diagnostics. Their glucose monitor measures glucose diffusing through ultrasonically permeated skin continously for up to twenty four hours. The product consists of SonoPrep instrument, a glucose biosensor patch with RF transmitter and a glucose meter . For the home use monitor, the glucose biosensor will be worn under clothing to reduce lifestyle constraints. The PDA/ glucose meter will provide on demand blood glucose readings in addition to trends and alarms that will minimize the frequency of high and low blood glucose levels.
Visual Pathways
Visual Pathways Inc. is a vision-care diagnostic company with headquarters in Prescott, Arizona. The company received a federal grant to develop a prototype of its GlucoScope™ Monitor, which measures glucose levels in the fluid of the anterior chamber of the eye, in 2003. The handheld device looks like a small pair of binoculars and uses infrared light to rapidly measure glucose levels in the eye. The federal funding was provided by National Medical Technology Testbed Inc. under the U.S. Department of the Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity.
Monitors With No New Info
This small R&D company, based in Dortmund, Germany, claims it is close to production of what is believed to be a near IR device, although it's operational range of 80% humidity or less may indicate a middle IR device. It has been developed in conjunction with a Korean company, Samsung Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd. Called the GluControl® GC300 and measuring 17.6 x 11.6 x 6 cm, with a weight of 500 grams (18 oz.), it is designed for home use.
Sensys Medical
Since 1995, Sensys Medical, Inc., formerly Instrumentation Metrics, has been focused on advancing technology for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. The Company intends to commercialize a device that will dramatically advance the practice of blood glucose monitoring and the science of diabetes disease management.
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