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13. Implications and applications

This week, I focused on developing a project proposal for my Fabricademy final project, titled "Sugawave". As someone living with diabetes, I wanted to address a personal challenge: the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional glucose monitoring methods, such as finger-pricking. My goal is to design a non-invasive, wearable glucose monitoring device, taking the form of a sleek ring or bracelet.

Research & Concept

To support my project, I researched several reference projects, innovations, and key scientific publications related to non-invasive glucose monitoring and wearable health devices:

1.1. Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring: I referred to the Dexcom G6 and Abbott FreeStyle Libre systems, as these are prominent examples of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) that have revolutionized diabetes management by providing real-time glucose data without the need for finger pricking.

Publication: "Review of Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring Technologies" by S. Liu et al. (2020) discusses different non-invasive glucose monitoring methods and their challenges.

1.2. Wearable Devices in Health Monitoring: I also looked into the Samsung Galaxy Ring, which focuses on monitoring heart rate, temperature, and movement. This inspired me to develop a wearable device that not only tracks glucose but also provides a comfortable, continuous monitoring solution.

Publication: "Wearable Sensors for Health Monitoring and Diagnosis" by R. Lee et al. (2019) reviews the capabilities of wearable sensors in health tracking.

1.3. Optical Glucose Sensors: I explored Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) based glucose sensors, such as the GlucoWise, which use optical methods to monitor glucose levels. This inspired my decision to focus on optical sensors for non-invasive glucose sensing.

Publication: "Non-invasive Glucose Monitoring Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy" by E. S. S. Li et al. (2018).

1.4. Smart Jewelry for Health Monitoring: I also referenced the Oura Ring, a piece of wearable technology that tracks various health metrics and has a small, sleek design. This was particularly useful for my idea of creating a non-invasive glucose monitoring device that could be worn comfortably.

Publication: "Health Monitoring with Smart Jewelry: A Review" by K. H. Kim et al. (2020).

1.5. DIY Wearable Electronics for Health: I looked at open-source projects such as DIY Wearable ECG Monitors and DIY Continuous Glucose Monitors. These projects helped me understand how to create compact, wearable devices using accessible materials and open-source electronics.

Publication: "Wearable Electronics for Health Monitoring" by C. M. H. Lee et al. (2018).

References & Inspiration

Inspired by the advancements in wearable health technology, such as the Samsung Galaxy Ring and Dexcom's Stelo, Sugawave aims to seamlessly integrate into daily life while providing real-time glucose, heart rate, and temperature monitoring. In this proposal, I explored reference projects, conducted first-person research based on my own experiences, and mapped out the initial technical and material requirements to bring this concept to life.

The development of Sugawave reflects my intention to create a user-centered, functional, and stylish wearable that empowers individuals like me to monitor their health comfortably and consistently.

  1. Dexcom Stelo CGM: Compact, minimal invasive glucose monitor.
  2. FreeStyle Libre 3: NFC-based real-time glucose tracking.
  3. Know Labs: Non-invasive optical glucose sensing.
  4. Samsung Galaxy Ring: Compact wearable biometrics tracker.
  5. Lumen: Portable CO2-based metabolic health tracker.

  6. Oura ring: miniature size and health monitoring ring

  7. Image reference

Why, What, Who, When, Where?

As someone with diabetes, I have firsthand experience with the challenges of blood glucose monitoring. I often find it frustrating and time-consuming to prick my finger multiple times a day, so I only check my glucose levels once a month. This has motivated me to create a solution that makes glucose monitoring easier, more comfortable, and continuous.

Through my personal experience, I realized that existing solutions, while helpful, are invasive and not very user-friendly. That's why I decided to work on SugaWave, a non-invasive, wearable glucose monitoring device. I believe that by incorporating optical or electrochemical sensors into a small, comfortable ring or bracelet, we can provide a solution that allows people like me to monitor their glucose levels effortlessly and continuously.

To clarify the project’s vision, here are my answers to the fundamental questions:

Who?:

The target audience for SugaWave includes individuals with diabetes, particularly those who struggle with finger pricking or want a more continuous and non-invasive way to track their glucose levels. It will also appeal to health-conscious individuals looking for a more convenient way to monitor their health.

What?:

SugaWave is a wearable glucose monitoring device, either in the form of a ring or bracelet, designed to provide continuous, non-invasive glucose monitoring using optical or electrochemical sensors.

When?:

The device will be worn 24/7, offering real-time glucose readings and alerts when necessary. It is designed for constant use without the need for daily finger pricking.

Where?:

The device will be worn on the finger (ring) or wrist (bracelet), designed to be as comfortable and unobtrusive as possible for daily wear.

Why?:

The goal of SugaWave is to improve diabetes management by offering a more comfortable, accessible, and non-invasive way to monitor glucose levels continuously.

How?:

The device will use optical or electrochemical sensors to continuously monitor glucose levels. Data from the sensor will be transmitted to a small microcontroller (e.g., Xiao ESP32-C3) via Bluetooth. The device will have an alert system that notifies the wearer through vibrations or a mobile app if glucose levels are outside of the desired range. The device will be powered by a small rechargeable battery.

Slide show

Final Project Proposal Presentation by Magali Stephanie