SUGAWAVE¶
5 Ws who, what, when, where, why¶
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.
Photo by Bela Rofe on Fabricademy 2019-20
References projects, research papers, expos, performances etc¶
- Existing Wearable Health Devices
Wearable technology is rapidly evolving, with a strong focus on health monitoring and seamless integration into daily life. Several devices have explored non-invasive tracking of vital health data, some of which serve as inspiration for SugaWave.
Smart Heating Pad for Menstrual Cramps
Wearable pad that applies heat therapy for pain relief. Demonstrates how comfort-focused wearables can improve daily life.
Smart Earrings for Temperature Monitoring
Uses body heat sensors to track temperature fluctuations. Shows the potential of ear-based wearables as discreet health trackers.
Blood Sugar Monitoring Earring
A non-invasive glucose monitor embedded in an earring. Highlights the demand for fashion-integrated medical wearables.
Uses biometric sensors to analyze emotional states. Explores advanced biometric tracking beyond physical health.
- Trends in Smart Rings & Medical Wearables
Smart rings are emerging as the next big trend in wearable tech due to their small form factor, continuous tracking, and ease of wear.
Why Smart Rings Are the Future
Discusses the rise of smart rings over smartwatches. Emphasizes discreet health tracking.
[Bridging Medical Devices & Wearables] (Yanko Design)
Explores how medical wearables are designed for everyday use. Focus on seamless integration rather than clinical aesthetics.
A glucose-boosting necklace for diabetics. Shows how wearable diabetes management can be both functional and stylish.
- Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring & Health Wearables
Traditional glucose monitoring involves finger pricking, which many diabetics (including myself) find uncomfortable, leading to infrequent monitoring. Researchers and companies are developing non-invasive alternatives.
Covers optical glucose monitoring and wearable sensors. Discusses potential alternatives to finger pricking.
Oxygen & Health Monitoring Wearable
Uses optical skin sensors to track oxygen levels. Shows how light-based biosensors can be used for health diagnostics.
One of the earliest wearable health trackers. Paved the way for continuous health monitoring.
Sensor Research for SugaWave¶
As my project requires a non-invasive way to monitor glucose levels, I explored various biosensors that could be suitable for a wearable device like a ring or bracelet. Below are different sensor technologies and their potential use in SugaWave.
- Electrochemical Glucose Sensors
Electrochemical sensors measure glucose levels by detecting electrochemical reactions in interstitial fluid or sweat. They are widely used in traditional Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs).
Example: Dexcom G7 | FreeStyle Libre
Potential option: Miniaturized electrochemical biosensors
- Optical Glucose Sensors
These sensors use near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy to detect glucose levels through the skin, making them truly non-invasive.
Example: GlucoWise | SugarBEAT
Potential option: Near-infrared spectroscopic sensors
- RFID-Based Glucose Sensors
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors use electromagnetic waves to analyze glucose levels in interstitial fluid. These can be embedded in wearables without the need for skin penetration.
Example: Know Labs Bio-RFID
Potential option: Miniature RFID glucose sensors
- Sweat and Interstitial Fluid Glucose Sensors
These sensors analyze glucose levels from sweat instead of blood, making them ideal for non-invasive wearables. Some use graphene-based electrochemical sensing technology.
Example: Gatorade Gx Sweat Patch | Graphene-based sensors
Potential option: Graphene-based electrochemical sensors
- Micro-Needle Array Sensors (Minimally Invasive)
Unlike traditional CGMs, these tiny microneedles painlessly extract interstitial fluid to measure glucose. They are less invasive but still require skin contact.
Example: K’Track Glucose | Nemaura SugarBEAT
Potential option: Microneedle biosensors
Conclusion For SugaWave, the best options seem to be optical or electrochemical sensors due to their non-invasive nature, compact size, and wearability. Further research is needed on power consumption, accuracy, and integration with the wearable’s design.
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