A Low Power Non-Invasive Wrist-Based Approach for Glucose Monitoring

Abstract

This study presents the development of a prototype noninvasive device for measuring blood glucose levels. It focuses on using photoplethysmography (PPG) and the Beer-Lambert law to measure the absorbance of infrared and red light through the skin of the wrist, offering an alternative to traditional invasive methods, such as commercial glucose meters. This device has the potential to provide a more convenient and less painful approach to continuous glucose monitoring. The study was conducted on a young population in Cartagena, Colombia, where participants used both the prototype device and a commercial glucose meter (Accu-Chek) to compare the results. The data obtained showed a moderate correlation between the two devices (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.49), with most measurements located in zones A and B of the Parkes error grid, suggesting that the errors are clinically acceptable. However, it is noted that the results should be interpreted with caution in populations with extreme glucose levels. The study concludes that the non-invasive device meets clinical standards for glucose measurement, supporting its future development. It is suggested to move towards a miniaturized wearable device and conduct additional clinical studies to generate more data across a wide range of glucose levels, from hypoglycemia to hyperglycemia.