Know Labs Announces Wearable, Non-Invasive Continuous Glucose Monitor
If approved, KnowU will become the world’s first non-invasive blood glucose monitor introduced to the global marketplace.
After announcing its first prototype early last summer and embarking on an accelerated development process, today, Know Labs, Inc. has announced its KnowU device, a wearable, non-invasive continuous glucose monitor (CGM).1
CGM showing glucose level / stivog - stock.adobe.com
KnowU, equipped with on-board computing power and machine learning capabilities, contains a unique and compact sensor that measures glucose levels via means of spectroscopy. The device is expected to last for years, be rechargeable, and connect to a user-friendly app. It can also be attached with an adhesive for easy removal or be worn on the wrist or forearm with a strap, offering versatile wear options.
By integrating accessibility, affordability, and accuracy into its model, Know Labs aims to optimize the customer experience for patients with diabetes.
“The prevalence of diabetes is growing globally at an alarming rate. Millions of people face significant barriers in accessing the technology and treatment they need to effectively manage their diabetes,” said Ron Erickson, CEO and chairman at Know Labs. “Know Labs is committed to delivering an accessible, affordable, and accurate solution that improves the current standard of care and enhances the quality of life for those living with diabetes. The KnowU brings us closer to a future where equitable care in diabetes management will become a reality.”
The KnowU’s state of the art sensor elicits blood glucose data using proprietary radiofrequency sensors that interact with the dielectric properties of glucose molecules. After scanning various frequencies, the device records the information, and using advanced algorithms to estimate blood glucose levels in real-time, then delivers this valuable data back to the user. The company anticipates sending this sensor, proven to be stable and accurate in the lab setting and within its first prototype, to the FDA for clearance.
READ MORE: Dexcom Submits New CGM For Non-Insulin Type 2 Diabetes for FDA Clearance
KnowLabs plans on launching external clinical trials later this year to assess the technology’s performance throughout continuous wear, on different parts of the body, with varying blood sugar levels, and across diverse populations. In the meantime, the company said it will continue to make refinements to the device and its algorithms.1
Presently, there are over 500 million adults living with diabetes around the world—a number that is predicted to reach almost 800 million by 2045.3 To this patient population, advances in CGM technology have proven to be invaluable. By keeping users in the know about their real-time blood glucose trends and allowing users to accurately adjust insulin dosage to prevent against outcomes like hypo- and hyperglycemia, CGMs help patients avoid life-threatening complications associated with the condition.
Although their access has increased alongside the growing global diabetic population and their convenience has allowed individuals to manage their condition without the assistance of a medical professional, CGMs still present obstacles for some users. Among these include their invasiveness—many devices on the market require painful and repeated pricks and leave users susceptible to infection.3
Non-invasive CGMs, like KnowU, may offer a solution to this problem. By omitting the painful prick or uncomfortable subcutaneous insertion required for monitoring by other CGMs, non-invasive CGMs could lead to better compliance and overall management of diabetes, in turn, creating better patient outcomes.
Devices like KnowU may also offer potential cost savings for both patients and health care systems. With global diabetes expenditures exceeding $966 billion in 2021, a 316% increase since 2007, any solution that reduces costs is crucial.3 KnowU, with its long-lasting design and rechargeability, may cut back on the need for disposable supplies and, by potentially improving patient outcomes, could lead to fewer health care visits related to diabetes management.
If approved, KnowU will become the world’s first non-invasive blood glucose monitor introduced to the global marketplace.
READ MORE: Continous Glucose Monitoring Resource Center
References
1. Know Labs announces the KnowU, its wearable non-invasive continuous glucose monitor. News release. Businesswire. February 27, 2024. Accessed February 27, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240227401198/en/Know-Labs-Announces-the-KnowU%E2%84%A2-its-Wearable-Non-Invasive-Continuous-Glucose-Monitor
2. Wu J, Liu Y, Yin H, Guo M. A new generation of sensors for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. Am J Transl Res. 2023;15(6):3825-3837
3. Diabetes around the world in 2021. Data sheet. IDF Diabetes Atlas. Accessed February 27, 2024. https://diabetesatlas.org/#:~:text=Diabetes%20around%20the%20world%20in%202021%3A,and%20783%20million%20by%202045.
Community Pharmacist-Led CGM Programs Can Boost Clinic Revenue While Helping Patients
April 12th 2024Although over 38 million people in the US have diabetes, continuous glucose monitor (CGM) uptake is low. Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to promote uptake due to their frequent interactions with patients and expertise in chronic condition counseling.
