Key Takeaways
- Apple tested an app for prediabetes but put it on hold to focus on other health aspects.
- The purpose of the software was to assist users in keeping an eye on their blood sugar levels and comprehending the possible health effects of particular foods.
- Future health devices from Apple are probably going to incorporate noninvasive glucose monitoring and meal logging.
According to Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple tested a prediabetes app to monitor blood sugar and control nutrition but postponed its release to give other health features priority.
According to reports, the corporation tested its staff this year as part of its blood-sugar management initiatives. The system may be used in future health goods; however, it is not yet scheduled for release.
According to Gurman, who cited anonymous Apple sources, the program required staff members to get a blood test to confirm that they were prediabetic before using accessible devices to track and record blood sugar changes after meals.
High blood sugar levels are a hallmark of prediabetes, a disease that raises the risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes cannot be cured; however, prediabetes can be reversed with exercise and diet. According to reports, the Apple system encourages lifestyle adjustments to prevent diabetes by showing how particular foods affect blood sugar. The article also mentions that it looks into possible applications for blood glucose data and consumer tools that Apple might create.
Gurman claims that Apple has put a halt to the app’s development in order to give other health features priority.
Apple Increases Research on Glucose Monitoring
Apple tests new health features in its labs. As seen by its work on hearing aids and sleep apnea monitoring for AirPods and the Apple Watch, it frequently carries out internal studies before public debuts. Employee participation in the company’s highly confidential glucose tracking research has required manager clearance in addition to nondisclosure and medical agreements.
Food logging and glucose monitoring are probably going to be important areas for Apple’s future health-related growth. Along with third-party glucose tracking features, this research could assist in integrating meal journaling, a functionality that the current Health app lacks compared to competitors.
Apple is said to have invested roughly 15 years in creating a non-invasive technique for blood glucose monitoring. Although last year saw some progress, the business still has issues with overheating and downsizing. A glucose monitoring prototype the size of an iPhone is being developed by Apple with the goal of eventually producing a wristwatch version. Using lasers to measure blood sugar, the device is likely to notify users if they are at risk for prediabetes. Similarly, future smartwatch capabilities that detect hypertension and sleep apnea will alert users to possible issues.
One of Apple’s most important health projects is this no-prick glucose monitor, which analyzes blood without causing skin pricks, potentially improving the treatment of diabetes. Even though this project may not be directly related to the current research, it may provide insightful information for future advancements.
