Google has announced that it is creating a contact lens packed with sensors and an antenna that will help those with diabetes.
The contact lens will be able to replace the action of pricking your finger in order to measure your blood glucose level — a necessity for those living with the disease.
Knowing the glucose levels in a diabetic person’s body helps them to otherwise regulate how much insulin they have to take as they eat throughout the day.
Scientists are looking into other bodily fluids that could indicate these levels and not require the continual pricking of a person’s fingers. Tears, as it turns out, might be one of these fluids.
Miniaturized electronics like chips and sensors so small they look like bits of glitter, and an antenna thinner than a human hair might be a way to crack the mystery of tear glucose and measure it with greater accuracy. the company said.
The wireless sensor and a “miniaturized” glucose monitor are sandwiched between regular contact lens material.
The product has already completed a series of clinical research studies and Google says it is “in discussions with the FDA” for regulatory approval. If the monitor is successful, Google may also include LED lights in the contacts to warn customers that their blood glucose levels have surpassed safe levels.
Source: VB
