Internationale Partnersuche

Innovation & Technologie Angebot

Photoplethysmography technology for non-invasive blood glucose detection and monitoring

Country of Origin: Singapore
Reference Number: TOSG20190115001
Publication Date: 15 January 2019

Summary

A Singapore SME has developed a method for non-invasive blood glucose level detection using photoplethysmography (PPG) technology. It employs an algorithm which predicts blood glucose levels by analysing the heartbeat of the person and eliminates the need for multiple painful invasive tests, making diabetes management simpler.  

The Singapore SME is seeking partnerships with all sizes of SMEs, MNEs or healthcare organisations through technology licensing.

Description

According to the 2017 statistics by the International Diabetes Federation, globally, there are 425 million people living with diabetes and by 2045 and the number of diabetics is projected to reach 629 million. 



Diabetes management requires regular tracking of blood glucose levels, which is abnormally high in diabetics. Conventionally, point-of-care blood glucose detection is carried out by analysing blood samples, which are collected by pricking the finger and transferring blood droplets onto a test strip. Analysis is then conducted by a blood glucose meter. 



This chronic illness may require patients to take multiple readings in a day, such as before and after meals. Such continuous pricking for tests can be extremely uncomfortable for the patients. Also, the test strips can be costly when used over a long period of time. 



This non-invasive way to detect blood glucose levels of a person uses photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors to extract the heartbeat data, which is processed by an algorithm developed by the SME to generate a prediction model, which gives the blood glucose level of the person. The algorithm provides blood glucose measurements in 3 levels-high, normal, and low with an accuracy of 83.3%, 75% and 75%, respectively.



The Singapore SME seeks to license this technology to SMEs of all sizes, MNEs or healthcare organisations that can commercialise this technology for use in their respective markets.

Advantages and Innovations

•	For general public health screening, this non-invasive blood glucose detection is an easy and efficient way of detecting and monitoring diabetes. It requires no blood tests or finger pricking, making diabetes management simpler and more convenient.



•	The technology can be used to detect pre-diabetic conditions early, and subsequent early medical treatment can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. This preventive health measure is extremely important for reducing the disease burden. 



•	By avoiding the use of test strips, this technology is a cost-effective way of detecting and monitoring blood glucose levels.



•	This PPG technology can be easily incorporated into wearable or lifestyle devices, which can not only detect and monitor blood glucose levels but can also send alerts to the user when high blood glucose levels are detected. 



•	This wearable device can be used by any public health agency to monitor at-risk patients, so immediate medical help is given when high blood glucose patterns are detected. This can also be used to monitor the well-being of elderly patients.

Stage Of Development

Field tested/evaluated

Requested partner

The Singapore SME is looking to partner all sizes of SMEs and MNEs, as well as healthcare organisations through technology licensing. 



The partner could commercialise the technology and introduce it as a product or service to their market segments.