Contacts to Monitor Blood Sugar

Google has developed a new tool for managing diabetes: contact lenses that analyze the blood sugar levels in tears. The project, which is part of the Google[x] research branch, would enable people who suffer from diabetes to more effectively monitor their condition by replacing periodic skin pricks with a discreet device that is capable of generating a reading every second.

The experimental lenses consist of a wireless sensor grid and a tiny antenna (thinner than a human hair) embedded between two layers of flexible contact lens material. While the current design allows users to check their levels on demand, the developers are also looking at incorporating tiny LEDs to provide an early warning indicator whenever levels fall outside preset limits.

Unlike today’s most advanced systems that use a small amount of blood, this system uses tears. The researchers are optimistic, but time will tell if this will be accurate enough. Diabetes currently affects one in every 19 people in the U.S. Since glucose levels can change quickly (with eating or exercise for example) frequent checks are essential to prevent the devastating effects that uncontrolled blood sugar can have on the body, including damage to the eyes, kidneys and heart.