From lasers to breath tests: new ways of measuring blood sugar

Looking into tissue with light – this is the principle behind the technology developed by German start-up DiaMonTech. A special laser beam penetrates a few micrometers deep into the skin and detects molecular vibrations that correlate directly with glucose levels. All you have to do is place your finger on the device, called D-Pocket, which is about the size of a smartphone. Wait a few seconds and the sugar level appears on the display. According to the manufacturer, a successful study on optical blood glucose measurement was completed in 2024 and the device is about to be approved.

Swiss company Liom is developing wearable devices that continuously monitor blood sugar levels—without the need for sensors under the skin, but also using spectroscopy. The goal is to create an app and a comfortable wearable device that collects data in a similar way to a smartwatch. This could mean significant relief for those affected. The devices are designed to provide results without individual calibration. The initial results of an external clinical study were published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology (JDST) in early 2025. According to the manufacturer, the results are as good as those delivered by the first generations of modern CGMs. Furthermore, further development will not only involve people with diabetes. The goal is to enable everyone to monitor their health values—similar to what wearables already allow today with steps, heart rate, etc.

British start-up Occuity is pursuing a completely different approach. The company is developing a portable, contactless optical measuring device the size of a pen for measuring blood sugar levels. Its name: Indigo. The device determines blood sugar levels via changes in the anterior chamber of the eye. According to the manufacturer, numerous medical studies show a direct correlation between changes in glucose concentration in the anterior chamber and blood sugar fluctuations. The measuring device uses precisely this correlation for its technology.

For users, measurement would simply involve a quick glance at the device. The technology is still undergoing clinical trials. However, the device has the potential to be used in prevention, for example in general practitioners' offices, to detect early-stage diabetes in a timely manner. For private users, the costs would also be significantly lower over time, as there would be no need to purchase new CGMs or test strips. It remains to be seen when the technology will be ready for the market.

Exhaled air also provides clues about blood sugar levels. The French company BOYDSense analyzes certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are exhaled during breathing. The planned device resembles a small breathalyzer. The approach is considered particularly convenient, but still requires comprehensive studies to prove its accuracy and reliability. So far, the company explains on its website about its tests: “Accurate, efficient sampling and analysis for risk stratification, detection, and monitoring. Early studies show a measurement reliability of 99.3% after a single test.” (Data available from the manufacturer) This device is also currently still in further development and undergoing initial clinical trials.

The vision of blood glucose measurement without pricking is no longer just a wish for many patients—it is also a key issue for the medical technology and diagnostics industry. What's more, non-invasive methods would fundamentally change the market. Manufacturers of traditional measuring devices, laboratory providers, and the digital healthcare industry are therefore monitoring developments very closely.

However, most technologies are still in their infancy. While optical methods and wearables are delivering promising initial results, clinical validation in everyday use remains the key hurdle. Accuracy, standardization, and regulatory approvals still need to be demonstrated before widespread introduction can take place.

This opens up an exciting field for the MedTech and Laboratory Industry:

• Collaborations with start-ups can accelerate the transfer of research findings.
• Clinical trials and validations offer laboratories new areas of activity.
• Digital solutions—for example, in combination with apps or telemedicine—create additional interfaces with the healthcare system.

Conclusion: Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring remains one of the most dynamic areas of innovation in diabetes management. Now is the time for companies and research institutions to position themselves—whether as technology providers, clinical trial partners, or future integrators in the healthcare system.