Google have unveiled they have been testing a contacts lens that could monitor blood sugar levels for those suffering from diabetes. With diabetes affecting “1 in 19 people on the planet” the current “disruptive” finger pricking method of testing is due for an upgrade to make life for suffers easier and more manageable. We have summarised Google’s unveiling in this post- link can be found at the bottom of the page.
So, how does it work?
According to the Google blog, it is body fluids – including tears – that scientists are interested in when it comes to monitoring blood sugar levels. Google’s innovators have produced a contact lens prototype containing tiny LED lights that would flash if glucose levels go above or below a certain amount.
Why is Diabetes management something Google is concerned with?
Diabetes suffers are increasing in our population. Many suffers describe managing the disease as like “having a part time job” according to the research Google have done. And lastly, the risks involved in leaving the disease uncontrolled – which include complications in the heart, eyes all the way down to the feet and in extreme cases can cause death.
So what do the optometrists think?
Kishan Devraj, optometrist and founder of Contact Lens Mail says
“I think it’s great that Google are using their resources and influence to tackle a problem that is real and growing. I see patients on a daily bases, many of whom manifest signs of uncontrolled diabetes in the eyes. At times they admit that measuring control is not always easy and so the idea of a contact lens fitted on the eye seems like the perfect solution”.
Kishan asked one of his patients, diabetic Jane from London, what it is like living with diabetes, to which she replied
“It’s hard enough living with diabetes. It’s even harder when you have to worry about whether you’re going to end up having a hypo because measuring the control is not always easy and convenient. A less invasive device that could monitor my glucose levels would mean less worrying and more living”.
When will the lenses be available to the public to use?
This project is still in the development stage. The product is unfinished and needs refining, but Google “hope this could someday lead to a new way for people with diabetes to manage their disease”. Google are looking for experts to partner with and are in discussion with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). However with “International Diabetes Federation” (PDF) declaring that the world is “losing the battle”” against diabetes – we have some hope and Google will probably play a large role in this.
Read Google’s blog post here.
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