New Infrared Device Measures Blood Sugar Without a Prick

Introduction

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, requiring regular blood sugar monitoring to prevent complications. Traditional methods involve finger pricks, which can be painful and carry infection risks. Researchers are exploring non-invasive alternatives using infrared technology to make glucose monitoring more comfortable and accessible (1-2).

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported that in 2021, around 537 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 were living with diabetes, accounting for roughly 10.5% of the global adult population in that age range. Projections indicate that by 2050, this number could rise to approximately 853 million adults—about one in eight—marking a 46% increase (2)

New infrared device measures blood sugar without a prick © Pete-chronicles-stock.adobe.com

Non-Invasive Monitoring with Infrared Light

A recent study by Al-Jammas, M.H., Iobaid, A.S., Al-Deen, M.M., and Aziz, Y.W., published in Computers in Biology and Medicine, presents a device that uses near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to measure blood glucose levels through the skin of the fingertip (1).

The system uses a near-infrared light-emitting diode at 940 nm as a light source and a BPW41N-ND photodetector as a detector/receptor, measuring changes in near-infrared light after it passes through the index finger (1).

The research team developed polynomial regression equations to translate the infrared readings into blood glucose concentrations. Separate models were created for men and women, achieving an accuracy of 81.25% for males, 82.6% for females, and 74.28% overall. Precision rates were 92.5% for males, 94.1% for females, and 91.07% overall (1).

Device Design and Usability

The system is designed to be lightweight, compact, and simple to use, with results displayed clearly on an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display technology screen. Its affordability, priced at under $25, allows diabetic patients to perform self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) without specialized training. The study emphasizes that the device provides a safe and convenient alternative to conventional invasive testing (1).

Data Collection and Calibration

To develop the regression equations, researchers collected infrared readings and compared them with traditional glucose reference measurements. The data were tailored for gender-specific models, improving the prediction reliability. This step highlights the importance of calibration in non-invasive glucose monitoring, especially when using spectroscopic analysis, which can be influenced by tissue characteristics and other variables (1).

Future Directions

The authors suggest future improvements, including collecting data from a larger and more diverse population, incorporating parameters such as age, skin tone, and health status. Additionally, using a second NIR LED at a different wavelength (for example, 1350 nm) could further stabilize readings and enhance accuracy. Such developments would expand the device's capabilities and reliability for broader clinical use (1).

Implications for Diabetes Management

NIR spectroscopy offers a promising approach to painless glucose monitoring, aligning with the global need for better diabetes management tools. By reducing reliance on invasive methods, patients may benefit from more frequent monitoring, early detection of glucose fluctuations, and improved overall care. The study demonstrates that affordable, compact NIR-based devices can integrate into daily life, providing real-time feedback without the discomfort associated with finger-prick tests (1).

References
(1) Al-Jammas, M. H.; Iobaid, A. S.; Al-Deen, M. M.; Aziz, Y. W. A Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring System. Comput. Biol. Med. 2025, 191, 110133. DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2025.110133

(2) International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Web Page. Available at: https://idf.org/about-diabetes/diabetes-facts-figures/ (accessed 2025-09-02).