Wearables Using Photoplethysmography Sensors for Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Detection Validated
Updated: Sep 7
A local study shows that sensors commonly found in wearables can aid in the non-invasive detection of elevated blood glucose levels (Image source: Stock image)
Singapore, 10 October 2024 – Imagine gaining greater awareness of your glucose levels through a wearable device, helping you better understand how your body responds and supporting more informed everyday lifestyle choices.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global non-communicable disease, with cases rising from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014[1]. Recognising the growing importance of glucose awareness and more accessible health insights, Actxa Pte Ltd (Actxa) partnered with KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) on a research study.
The study, “Utility of photoplethysmography in detecting elevated blood glucose among non-diabetics”, recently published in the Singapore Medical Journal, explored the use of photoplethysmography (PPG) signals, the optical signals commonly used by wearables to measure heart rate, as a non-invasive method for identifying elevated blood glucose.
The findings highlight the potential of PPG technology to provide a more accessible and cost-effective approach to understanding glucose-related physiological signals. The full study can be accessed here.
From October 2021 to February 2023, healthy volunteers were recruited at KKH. 483 volunteers’ capillary glucose levels were measured alongside PPG signals using Actxa’s Spark + Series 2 activity tracker and an in-ear wearable. The volunteers were evaluated over eight minutes to obtain accurate PPG readings.
Participants with capillary glucose levels of 11.1 mmol/dL or less consumed a standard glucose tolerance drink (TRUTOL. 75 g) and returned one hour later for a follow-up test. In contrast, those with readings exceeding 11.1 mmol/dL were exempted from the glucose tolerance drink. This methodology ensured the thorough evaluation of blood glucose levels, thereby enhancing the reliability of the study’s findings.
The research demonstrates how PPG sensors can be used to study elevated blood glucose non-invasively. By exploring how physiological signals captured through wearable devices relate to glucose levels, the study contributes to ongoing research into making glucose-related insights more accessible outside traditional measurement methods.
Greater glucose awareness may also help individuals better understand how everyday factors such as meals, physical activity, sleep and other lifestyle habits can influence their bodies.
The study also demonstrates the underlying research supporting Actxa’s BGEM® technology. BGEM® is an AI-driven, cloud-based technology that analyses physiological signals collected through PPG-enabled wearable devices to generate glucose-related insights.
By integrating BGEM® into wearable technology, Actxa is exploring how non-invasive glucose awareness can become a more convenient part of everyday health monitoring.
As healthcare systems worldwide face increasing challenges associated with metabolic health and diabetes, technologies that make health insights more accessible may help individuals become more engaged with their wellbeing.
Providing greater awareness of glucose-related patterns can encourage people to reflect on their everyday habits and make more informed choices around nutrition, physical activity, sleep and overall lifestyle.
Marcus Soo, Chief Executive Officer of Actxa, said, “In our pursuit of innovative solutions to address global health challenges, Actxa is proud that our technology has been explored through a local research study.
This research demonstrates the potential of PPG signals to provide meaningful glucose-related insights through non-invasive wearable technology.
Actxa’s BGEM® technology integrates with PPG-enabled wearables to provide a scalable approach to glucose awareness, helping us explore new ways to make everyday health insights more accessible.
The opportunity lies in enabling wearable devices on the wrist, finger or ear to help individuals better understand glucose-related patterns and how their daily habits may influence their wellbeing.
This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing preventive health technology and empowering individuals with accessible insights that can support healthier everyday choices. Together with our partners, we are working towards a future where understanding your health becomes simpler and more integrated into everyday life.”
Future developments will involve incorporating various non-invasive detection sensors to enhance sensitivity and specificity, enabling better management of T2DM through non-invasive methods alongside capillary glucose measurements.
Reference: 1. WHO Factsheet on Diabetes: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
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About Actxa
Headquartered in Singapore, Actxa Pte Ltd is a deep tech company founded in 2015 that leverages artificial intelligence to create next generation preventive healthcare solutions.
We create evidence-based, personalised health insights in the domains of physical activities, sleep quality, body composition, stress and recovery, heart health and blood glucose evaluation and monitoring.
Learn more about Actxa at www.actxa.com.
