Apple Customers May Get Blood Glucose Monitoring, But Not From Apple Watch

Recent media reports have suggested that the notoriously secretive Apple Inc. AAPL is working on developing a non-invasive way for diabetics to monitor blood glucose levels. While Apple enthusiasts have speculated that glucose monitoring could be integrated into the Apple Watch, Loop Ventures analyst Doug Clinton anticipates that Apple will instead choose to integrate it into its wireless AirPods headphones.

The Complications Of Vitals' Monitoring

Past studies of wrist-worn heart rate monitors have revealed accuracy and consistent readings can be an issue. However, Clinton points to a study that found that an ear-based sensor had a 98 percent correlation coefficient to an electrocardiogram when it came to accurately measuring heart rate. The 98 percent coefficient was in-line with the accuracy of a typical Polar M7 chest-worn monitor and well above the 91 percent coefficient found for the Apple Watch.

Clinton believes the Apple Watch’s monitoring accuracy gets even worse during periods of exercise.

“We also believe that the ear offers the possibility to collect better data, which the aforementioned study seems to confirm, and richer date because of the semi-internal nature of the ear canal, proximity to the brain and greater blood flow in the area,” Clinton explained.

If Clinton is correct, Apple investors looking for Apple to expand its medical monitoring technology may need to shift their attention away from the Apple Watch and toward the AirPod.

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