Apple is reportedly developing a non-invasive, continuous blood glucose monitoring system called E5, a project that dates back to the Steve Jobs era. The ultimate goal of the project is to measure the amount of glucose in a person’s body without the need to prick their skin for blood, which would be a breakthrough boon for diabetics and cement Apple as a powerhouse in healthcare.
Apple has hit major milestones in recent years and now believes it could bring the technology to market eventually. If successful, the company aims to add the glucose monitoring system to its Apple Watch, making the device an essential item for millions of diabetics around the world.
The technology uses chip technology called silicon photonics and a measurement process called optical absorption spectroscopy. The system uses lasers to emit specific wavelengths of light into an area below the skin where there is interstitial fluid that can be absorbed by glucose.
An algorithm then determines a person’s blood glucose level. The project is being developed by Apple’s Exploratory Design Group, a previously unreported effort that is one of the company’s most covert initiatives.
