Revolutionizing Diabetes Detection: Wearable Noninvasive Glucose Monitors Sense Early Warning Signs

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed an innovative, noninvasive method for assessing blood glucose regulation, crucial for early diabetes detection. Using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data, this approach can identify at-risk individuals before traditional blood tests reveal abnormalities, potentially preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes, often called a 'silent epidemic,' poses significant health and economic challenges worldwide. Early diagnosis of impaired glucose regulation—an intermediate state between normal glucose levels and diabetes—is vital for effective intervention. However, conventional tests such as fasting glucose and HbA1c often miss early signs because they rely on periodic blood samples rather than ongoing monitoring.

Professor Shinya Kuroda explained that traditional diagnostic methods do not capture the dynamic fluctuations of blood glucose levels under real-life conditions. To address this limitation, the research team harnessed CGM technology, which provides continuous, real-time data on glucose levels through a wearable device, offering a more comprehensive view of glucose metabolism.

The team analyzed data from 64 individuals without diagnosed diabetes, employing CGM alongside oral glucose tolerance tests and clamp tests to assess insulin sensitivity. Their analysis focused on a glucose fluctuation index called AC_Var, which was found to correlate strongly with the disposition index—a marker of future diabetes risk. When combined with glucose standard deviation, this measure outperformed traditional markers in predicting glycemic control decline and potential complications like coronary artery disease.

A key breakthrough was the development of a web-based tool that enables healthcare providers and individuals to easily calculate these CGM-derived indices, facilitating early detection in clinical and everyday settings. This methodology allows for identifying impaired glucose handling earlier than standard screenings, offering a crucial window for preventive action.

Ultimately, this research paves the way for more accessible, practical diabetes screening tools that can detect glucose regulation issues sooner, leading to improved intervention strategies and better health outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-needles-wearable-glucose-reveal-early.html