Health technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Advanced digital health is pushing the boundaries of what wearable devices can achieve. Starting with innovative gadgets like the Oura Ring to more sophisticated health-tracking capabilities of the Apple Watch, tech companies are constantly trying to improve personal health monitoring and wearable technologies. Samsung has now taken a significant step forward by revealing its ongoing work on a feature that many consider the ultimate advancement in wearable health technology: it is developing a non-invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring system. This groundbreaking development will be a game-changer for millions of people suffering with diabetes and prediabetes, especially those managing diabetes who have to do finger pricks several times a day or have to use conventional continuous glucose monitors that last only one to two weeks.

Samsung’s Bold Step Toward Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring

Samsung recently announced that it is investing heavily in the development of a blood glucose monitoring feature that does not require skin penetration. Conventional CGMs from Freestyle Libre and Dexcom have to go through a skin penetration which increases the chances of infection for which the CGMs have to be removed after 1-2 weeks. Samsung has not yet disclosed an exact release date of its product, but its decision to openly discuss this innovation signals confidence in the technology’s feasibility. Reports indicate that we may see this feature sooner rather than later given the kinds of promises the company made and the level of details it shared.

Several years ago, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, acknowledged the significant challenge of measuring blood glucose through the skin without invasive methods. Apple has never officially confirmed working on such a technology, but speculation is made that the company is pursuing a similar goal. Samsung’s move to publicize its progress suggests it may be ahead in the race to introduce this feature to consumers.

The Challenges of Current Glucose Monitoring Devices

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) like those from Lingo, Freestyle, and Dexcom currently require a sensor that pierces the skin. This process is relatively painless, but some people are hesitant to adopt invasive glucose monitoring solutions and keep the needle of the CGM inserted within the skin for two weeks. This causes a little bit irritation in the skin. Samsung’s new approach aims to eliminate this barrier by offering an optical sensor-based, non-invasive alternative.

CGMs are primarily used by people with diabetes to manage their glucose levels, but a broader audience could benefit from glucose monitoring as well if the Samsung non-invasive device is launched into the market. To track glucose fluctuations instantly can help individuals understand how diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices impact their blood sugar levels which can also help them better reverse their diabetes. Samsung’s innovation could extend beyond diabetes and prediabetes management and revolutionize preventive healthcare for the general public as well. It must be noted that the research indicates that diabetes does not onset suddenly. It takes 10-15 years for diabetes to develop. If you can see the early signs of progression by monitoring the signals through CGM, it is possible to prevent it or remission it.

What Samsung’s Experts Are Saying

Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and head of Samsung’s Digital Health Team, said on the company’s ambitions in a recent news release.

“Blood glucose is a major area of focus for us. Samsung has been developing a sensor algorithm to predict early signs of diabetes, alongside non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology and continuous glucose monitoring-integrated nutrition coaching,” Dr. Pak stated.

This statement highlights Samsung’s broader vision of health tracking, combining glucose monitoring with AI-driven insights to provide users with real-time recommendations on diet and lifestyle adjustments.

At a health technology forum in San Jose, California, Dr. Pak expanded on this breakthrough. As reported by Android Authority, he expressed enthusiasm for the project’s progress:

“What I’m really excited about is our team’s work on a non-invasive, optically-based continuous glucose monitor. While I can’t share an exact timeline, I am confident about the strides we’ve made. If we execute this correctly, it will be a game-changer.”

When Will Samsung’s Blood Glucose Monitor Be Available?

Although Samsung has not provided a definitive launch date, but experts believe that the technology may be introduced as early as this year or in 2026.

A report from Tom’s Guide noted: “Samsung wouldn’t discuss this technology in such definitive terms if it was merely an idea. This strongly suggests that we could see it debut this year with the Galaxy Watch 8.”

If this prediction is accurate, the feature could be unveiled in August 2025 when Samsung traditionally launches new Galaxy Watch models. However, Tom’s Guide also cautioned that rushing the development could lead to inaccuracies, stating, “A poorly implemented solution is worse than no solution at all. The last thing you want is to provide diabetics with unreliable data, creating a false sense of security.”

Since the stakes are high, it is possible that Samsung will fine-tune the technology for a later release, potentially with the Galaxy Watch 9 or an entirely separate device. The optical sensor technology could be integrated into a future Galaxy Watch, the upcoming Galaxy Ring, or even a standalone health gadget if miniaturization proves challenging.

Implications for the Wearable Tech Industry

Samsung’s announcement adds new excitement to the competitive wearable tech industry. If the company succeeds in launching a reliable, non-invasive glucose monitor, it would set a new benchmark for health tracking devices which will make the existing market of digital therapeutics for diabetes management much more competitive. Apple, which has long been rumored to be working on similar technology, may now face an increased pressure to expedite its own solution as well.

Regardless of which company reaches the market first, the advent of non-invasive blood glucose monitoring marks an important moment in health technology. It has the potential to significantly enhance diabetes management, empower users with better health insights, and reshape how people engage with their well-being daily.

Takeaways

Samsung’s disclosure of its work on non-invasive blood glucose monitoring is a significant step toward transforming personal health tracking. A confirmed launch date remains elusive though, yet the company’s confidence suggests that we could see this technology implemented sooner than expected. Whether introduced in the Galaxy Watch 8, 9, or another device, the impact of this innovation could be profound, improving the lives of millions worldwide.

As wearable technology continues to advance, Samsung’s bold move reaffirms the industry’s commitment to making health monitoring more accessible, seamless, and effective for users everywhere.