A noninvasive method for measuring blood glucose uses Raman spectroscopy — a light-based technique that identifies molecular composition by analyzing how near-infrared light scatters within tissue. The shoebox-sized prototype eliminates the need for finger sticks or implanted sensors, offering a potential alternative for people with diabetes who require frequent glucose monitoring.
Traditional glucose testing relies on blood samples or subdermal sensors that measure interstitial fluid, which can cause skin irritation and require periodic replacement. The new approach directly detects glucose signals in the skin. By adjusting the angle of incoming light and filtering background noise, the system isolates faint glucose-specific Raman signals that are typically obscured by other molecular signatures.
To reduce device size and complexity, the team focused on just three spectral bands — one linked to glucose and two reference bands — rather than analyzing the full Raman spectrum, which can contain roughly 1,000 bands. This streamlined strategy significantly lowers equipment requirements, cost, and footprint.
In an initial clinical test involving a healthy volunteer, glucose readings tracked closely with two commercial continuous monitors. Researchers have since developed a cellphone-sized wearable prototype now undergoing further clinical evaluation, with continued efforts to miniaturize the system and ensure accuracy across diverse skin tones. (Image credit: MIT)
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