Google has announced it is teaming up with DexCom, which specializes in glucose monitoring devices, to develop a low-cost “next generation” sensor for managing diabetes.
The device will be the size of a bandage and low cost as well as disposable and usable by people with any type of diabetes. The device will connect to the Cloud for real-time data transmission, according to DexCom.
The collaboration has been called the next step “toward expanding monitoring options” for diabetes patients, Medical News Today quoted Andrew Conrad, the head of Google’s life sciences team, as having said about the device.
This collaboration is another step toward expanding monitoring options and making it easier for people with diabetes to proactively manage their health.
Google and DexCom indicated that they hope the device will become a standard of care for patients with diabetes to replace fingerstick glucometers.
The small sensor, which will be the size of a Band-Aid, will sit on the skin and constantly monitor blood sugar levels rather than relying on finger pricks. The sensor and algorithms will connect with Google hardware and its cloud for a strong data platform.
As DexCom Vice President Steve Pacelli explained, “Diabetes management is largely predicted on having data to make better decisions.”
DexCom estimates that the sensor will be commercialized within the next five years.
The glucose monitoring device is not Google’s first step into the development of medical devices, as the team is also working on a health tracking wristband that will track temperature, pulse, and heart rhythm. Google also announced a partnership with pharmaceutical company Novartis last month to work on another major diabetes project. Google and Novartis are working on a contact lens that can monitor blood glucose levels, Forbes reported.
Over 29 million Americans have diabetes, according to the CDC. About 25 percent are unaware they have the disorder, which causes blood glucose levels to exceed normal ranges.
