Apple Is Testing An App To Manage Blood Sugar, Employees Participating In Tests: Report

The concept behind the app is to help users understand how different dietary choices affect their blood sugar levels.

Apple has reportedly put the project on hold to shift its focus to other health-related features.

Source : Unsplash/BoliviaInteligente

Apple has been quietly exploring the development of noninvasive blood glucose monitoring for some time now. According to a recent report from Bloomberg, the tech giant has been testing an app aimed at helping individuals with prediabetes manage their condition more effectively. Citing sources within Apple who spoke on condition of anonymity, Bloomberg revealed that the app required participants—Apple employees in this case—to confirm their prediabetic status through a blood test.

These employees then tracked their blood sugar levels using various commercially available devices and recorded how their glucose levels changed in relation to their food intake.

Prediabetes is characterised by elevated blood sugar levels, which heightens the risk of progressing to Type 2 diabetes. While diabetes has no cure, prediabetes can often be reversed with lifestyle changes, particularly through diet and exercise. The concept behind the app is to help users understand how different dietary choices affect their blood sugar levels. For instance, consuming a carbohydrate-heavy meal may cause a spike in blood sugar, but combining it with protein could help mitigate that spike.

The Bloomberg report indicates that the primary goal of the app was to assess what tools Apple could develop using data related to blood sugar levels. However, the company has reportedly put the project on hold to shift its focus to other health-related features. Despite this pause, it remains possible that the insights gained from this initiative could inform future health technology endeavours from Apple.

Strong Competition Lies Ahead

Metabolic health tracking is gaining traction as a significant trend in the wearable technology market. Earlier this year, companies like Dexcom and Abbott introduced over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) targeting individuals with prediabetes, non-diabetics, and Type 2 diabetics who do not require insulin. Additionally, startups such as Nutrisense and Levels are leveraging CGM data to assist users in weight management, optimise performance in endurance sports, and understand how specific foods impact their blood glucose levels.

Given the current landscape, it’s understandable that Apple is keen to delve into this area. The company has generally avoided native food logging while enhancing integrations with third-party CGMs. Over the past 15 years, Apple has reportedly invested significant time in researching noninvasive blood glucose monitoring, though it appears that a finalized product is still several years away.