Apple’s Move into Metabolic Health
Apple has long been rumored to explore noninvasive blood glucose monitoring, a significant innovation for wearable health tech. Now, reports indicate that the tech giant has tested an app aimed at helping people with prediabetes better manage their blood sugar levels through lifestyle and dietary changes.
An App for Prediabetics
According to sources, Apple conducted tests among its employees who were verified as prediabetic through blood tests. These employees used commercially available blood sugar monitors to track the effects of different foods on their blood sugar levels, logging changes in real-time. The aim of the app would be to help prediabetic users understand how food choices, such as pairing protein with carbohydrates, impact their blood sugar levels.
The Future of Noninvasive Glucose Monitoring
For years, Apple has been researching noninvasive methods for tracking blood sugar levels. While this feature is still in development and may take several more years, the tested app could provide Apple with valuable data to support future health tools and wearable tech capabilities.
Paused but Not Forgotten
Although Apple has reportedly paused work on this specific app to prioritize other health-focused projects, the findings may eventually be used to develop future products in the metabolic health space. This aligns with the broader trend of companies like Dexcom, Abbott, and startups such as Nutrisense and Levels, which are offering metabolic health tools for prediabetics and non-insulin-dependent diabetics.
Apple’s Place in the Growing Market of Wearable Health Tech
As companies expand metabolic health tracking solutions for both prediabetic individuals and those seeking lifestyle insights, Apple’s potential entry could significantly impact the health tech market. This would allow users to make more informed choices about their lifestyle and dietary habits, potentially reducing their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
