2020 to 2023
Solo Project
Solo Project
Whether someone has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, people with diabetes are familiar with the finger-prick blood test. They need to often prick their fingers, collect a drop of blood, and put it on a device called a glucometer. This helps them check how much sugar is in their blood and figure out how much insulin they need.
Photo courtesy of Dexcom - woman wearing a continuous glucose monitoring device.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices are now used commonly with smart phone applications to measure and inform individuals when their blood glucose is in unhealthy ranges. They puncture the skin to sense the fluid around cells in the body, called interstitial fluid, and measure the amount of sugar in the blood.
These devices are however not without limitations. They have to be replaced every 7 to 14 days, and puncture locations for the device would need to be changed to prevent skin irritation or lesions from forming.
Non-Invasive Glucometer, NIG, which is a non-profit, independent research initiative, was seeded by empathy for diabetic individuals who religiously use (and struggle with) glucometers or CGMs to monitor blood sugar levels.
The latest prototype spots a bespoke sensor which plugs into a M5stickC development kit.
Changes in skin impedance are detected by 2 copper strips on the sensor.
A watch archetype was chosen as the wrist is an ideal sensor location to discreetly detect blood glucose levels.
Rather than rely on skin-pricking, intrusive sensors, NIG leverages on our skin's electrical impedance to continuously, and discreetly monitor one’s blood sugar levels without the need to penetrate the skin.
A python-written software then utilises a mix of predictive modelling techniques such as clustering and outliers to determine if an individual's blood glucose level is in unhealthy ranges.
First proof of concept highlighting skin's electrical impedance.
NIG is currently a work in progress. Please feel free to reach out if you are keen to know more or collaborate. Thank you.
Special Thanks
Matthew Wong Photography
Nacho Vilanova, a good friend who inspired this project
Nacho Vilanova, a good friend who inspired this project