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University of Waterloo engineers have introduced a wearable radar-based technology capable of tracking glucose levels non-invasively, offering a breakthrough for people managing diabetes. Led by Dr. George Shaker, an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the team’s work offers a pain-free alternative to traditional glucose monitoring, potentially eliminating the need for finger pricks and invasive patches.
“We’ve developed radar technology that can now fit inside a smart watch and sense glucose levels more accurately than ever before. Just like you use glasses to improve your vision, our technology helps for better sensing of glucose levels.”
Dr. George Shaker
Radar technology for continuous glucose monitoring
The core of this system relies on a radar chip, adapted from satellite technology that predicts weather patterns by detecting atmospheric changes. In this application, the radar detects subtle physiological changes in the body. Miniaturized for wearable use, this chip works alongside an engineered “meta-surface” and specialized microcontrollers to improve both signal focus and processing accuracy.
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The meta-surface, developed by Shaker’s team, enhances radar resolution and sensitivity, enabling precise glucose tracking without needing skin contact or blood samples. This is achieved by using artificial intelligence algorithms that continuously refine the data, improving measurement reliability.
A new approach to wearable health technology
This novel system represents a shift in health-monitoring technology, replacing the need for invasive methods with a compact, non-contact alternative. While similar wearable devices currently depend on skin-penetrating methods to read glucose levels, this radar-based system enables ongoing monitoring without direct access to the bloodstream. Beyond glucose monitoring, the team envisions the device collecting a broader range of health indicators, including blood pressure, in the future.
Future developments and clinical applications
Currently powered by a USB cable, the Waterloo team is focused on optimizing the device for battery use, which will enhance its portability and make it fully wearable. The team’s initial model has already progressed to clinical trials, with continued work planned to prepare the technology for consumer wearables. Through collaborations with industry partners, they aim to incorporate the device into the next generation of health-focused wearable technology.
“We have a minimum viable product that’s already being used in clinical trials, and while there’s more work to be done, we’re much closer to a full marketable device.”
Dr. George Shaker
Reference: Bagheri MO, Gharamohammadi A, Abu-Sardanah S, Ramahi OM, Shaker G. Radar near-field sensing using metasurface for biomedical applications. Commun Eng. 2024;3(1):51. doi: 10.1038/s44172-024-00194-4
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