Samsung takes aim at blood glucose monitoring: Galaxy Watch 7 breakthrough?
Samsung was among the first major smartwatch brands to offer blood pressure measurement on its devices. Now, they could be poised to become one of the first to provide glucose monitoring capabilities.
The race to bring non-invasive blood glucose monitoring to smartwatches has been a long-running technological marathon. Apple has invested years of research into this endeavor, demonstrating the inherent challenges of seamlessly tracking this vital health metric from the wrist. Yet, we are still waiting for something to see the light of day.
Tracking blood glucose levels is essential, particularly for individuals with diabetes. It empowers them to manage their condition effectively, prevent dangerous complications, and live healthier lives. Integrating this functionality into a device as commonplace as a smartwatch would make their lives much easier.
Beyond that, glucose tracking is also useful for those who do not suffer from the condition. The data can provide valuable insights into how diet, exercise, and stress affect our bodies. It’s no wonder more and more people are opting to track their blood glucose. It helps them tweak their food intake and lifestyle and pivot to healthier choices.
Samsung’s potential game-changer
Samsung may be on the cusp of a breakthrough in the pursuit for a non-invasive blood glucose tracking solution. Korean-based news outlet Pulse has reported that Samsung’s Galaxy Watch7 could launch with the feature baked in.
This speculation builds upon a recent Samsung Newsroom post where Hon Pak, head of digital health at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the company’s dedication to expanding health features on wearables. He specifically cites diabetes and blood glucose monitoring as key areas of interest.
Lingering skepticism and future outlook
While the potential of the Galaxy Watch7 is exciting, achieving reliable, non-invasive blood glucose measurement is incredibly intricate. There’s a degree of skepticism on our part that this feature will be ready for the launch of the device this July.
The key challenge lies in achieving consistent accuracy. Unlike blood, other bodily fluids and tissues offer a less direct representation of glucose levels. Factors like skin thickness, perspiration, and temperature can introduce variability. It is a difficult job developing algorithms and sensors to isolate and accurately measure glucose signals amidst these complex conditions.
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Having said that, Samsung was one of the first mainstream wearable brands to bring blood pressure monitoring to a smartwatch. Granted, it is not perfect. You need to occasionally calibrate with a traditional blood pressure cuff and the measurements are only on-demand. But it’s a start.
So don’t be surprised if the Korean outfit is first out of the block with a non-invasive glucose monitoring solution. If not in 2024, the momentum suggests that glucose tracking will likely become a standard staple of smartwatches in the coming years. This will usher in a new era of accessible and convenient health monitoring for millions.
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