Research continues towards the goal of a truly noninvasive glucose monitor. The Cygnus Glucowatch is well into the FDA approval process, and it will be useful, but it is not noninvasive; daily finger-stick calibrations will be required.
Instrumentation Metrics. from Chandler, Arizona, is working to perfect a "near-infrared spectroscopy"(NIR)-based system, one that would be truly non-invasive. The monitor utilizes low-level light, reflected from the patient's forearm, to detect changes in an individual's blood glucose.
This idea, NIR, was tried out some time ago, by another firm, without much success, but company data suggest Instrumentation Metrics is having more luck.
The company says a large "preliminary clinical trial" is underway, and that "analysis of data derived from the first subjects to complete the study" suggest the system is acceptably accurate. The company states what they are developing now is an "office model," for the physician, with a pricetag of around $10,000. They hope to eventually offer a "personal model," with a pricetag closer to $2500 -- assuming all tests are passed successfully.
These are very early findings. There are many details to work out, and then the entire process of Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinicals to negotiate before approval can be considered. If the system is successful, it will be some time before we see it on the pharmacy shelf. For further information, see their website: www.imetricsinc.com
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