Apple reportedly has a small team of people working on sensors capable of continuously monitoring blood sugar levels in a non-invasive manner, a breakthrough considered to be the “holy grail” for diabetes treatment.
According to the report from CNBC, Apple has already begun feasibility trials following five years of work, suggesting the company has made a serious breakthrough that could change the life of millions. According to the CDC, nearly 30 million people in the United States have diabetes.
The report claims Apple’s optical sensors can shine a light through a patient’s skin to measure indications of glucose. The Cupertino company is said to have made a number of high-profile acquisitions over the past few years, including Vital Connect, Masimo Corp, Sano, and Medtronic, lending credence to the report.
If a breakthrough is made, Apple could potentially outfit the Apple Watch with the sensors, which would elevate the wearable from optional accessory to one that’s immensely important for people who suffer from the disease.
Apple has been putting a greater emphasis on health over the past few years with initiatives like ResearchKit. In fact, a recent study found that the company’s service is a reliable way to collect data if you’re an asthma patient.
With feasibility studies underway, it’s unclear how close Apple is to integrating its sensors into a product. But the report suggests the company’s team is on the verge of changing the world.