Smartwatches Not a Replacement for Diabetic Needles.

Noninvasive blood glucose monitoring has technical and regulatory hurdles to clear before it can be used in consumer-grade wearables. The technology has been in development since 1975, but the small glucose signal makes it difficult to isolate glucose from other chemicals in the body. External and environmental factors like stray light, movement, and poor skin contact with the sensor can also throw off noninvasive measurements. Even if the technology is developed, it is unlikely to replace established methods like the finger prick test or continuous glucose monitors. Noninvasive blood glucose monitoring may be used for fitness or wellness tracking or as a screening tool for prediabetes.