Fitness Technology: GlucoWatch

In 1999, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a wristwatch-like glucose-monitoring device for use by children and adolescents with diabetes. The device, which was approved for adult use in March 2001, provides information that can be used to detect trends and track patterns in glucose levels.

The GlucoWatch G2 Biographer is a watch-sized monitoring system that provides painless and automatic measurement of blood sugar. The device enables people with diabetes to monitor glucose levels as frequently as every 10 minutes for up to 13 hours. The GlucoWatch uses a small electrical current to extract fluid from under the skin. The glucose in the fluid is measured using special sensor pads that are replaced daily. This device is a welcome alternative for those with diabetes who do not want to perform multiple needle pricks on their fingers each day to measure blood glucose levels.