Radar and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have been combined in a system that detects changes in glucose levels without the need for painful finger pricks. The technology could be a smart watch that continuously monitors glucose.

The research involves collaboration with Google and Infineon, which jointly developed a small radar device to send high-frequency radio waves into liquids containing various levels of glucose and receive radio waves that are reflected back to it. Information on the reflected waves is then converted into digital data for analysis by machine-learning AI algorithms. The software detects glucose changes based on more than 500 wave features or characteristics including how long it takes for them to bounce back to the device.

Initial tests achieved results that were 85% as accurate as traditional, invasive blood analysis. The tests showed it is possible to use radar to look into the blood to detect changes. Next steps include refining the system to precisely quantify glucose levels and obtain results through the skin, which complicates the process. Researchers are working with Infineon to shrink the radar device so it is low-cost and low-power.

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