What it does
GlucoSense is a non-invasive wearable that tracks glucose trends using spectroscopy technology. It aims to provide a painless and accessible alternative to finger-prick testing for people with prediabetes.
Your inspiration
In 2023, my dad was diagnosed with prediabetes and was on the verge of developing type 2 diabetes. He had to prick his finger three to four times a day, but because of his thick skin, the process became painful and left his fingertips bruised. I saw firsthand how discouraging and unnecessary that pain was, especially when it could’ve been avoided with a better solution. As a biomedical engineering student, I became determined to create a non-invasive alternative that would make monitoring easier, less painful, and more consistent for people like him.
How it works
Just like the fingertip oxygen sensors used in hospitals, GlucoSense uses light to gather information from beneath the skin, except instead of measuring oxygen, it tracks glucose trends. The device shines light at four carefully selected wavelengths: 485, 645, 860, and 940 nanometers. Each wavelength is chosen to detect different signals: some are sensitive to glucose, while others help measure how water, fat, and tissue absorb light. This allows the system to isolate the glucose signal from background noise. The reflected light is captured by a sensor, and a microcontroller processes the data. An algorithm then classifies the user’s glucose trend as low, stable, or high. These readings are sent to a mobile app that logs results, predicts long-term markers like HbA1c, and provides lifestyle suggestions using AI. The entire process is painless, discreet, and requires no blood, making it an easy habit to maintain every day.
Design process
We began by interviewing people with prediabetes to understand their daily struggles. Using the MOM Test framework, we avoided leading questions and focused on real behaviours, not hypothetical opinions. Pain from finger pricking, inconvenience, and social stigma were consistent themes. We also spoke with professors and researchers at our university to explore potential non-invasive sensing methods. From these conversations and literature reviews, we identified near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as the most promising technology. People overwhelmingly preferred a wearable over bulky home devices, so we began designing around comfort. Our first prototype used a single NIR wavelength to test basic signal response. While functional, the data was too noisy. Further research led us to expand to four key wavelengths, each selected to separate the glucose signal from interference caused by skin, water, and tissue. We then developed a custom PCB using an ESP32 microcontroller and a multi channel NIR sensor. In parallel, we designed a mobile app that logs glucose trends, meals, and activities. We’re now preparing for in vitro lab testing to gather our first dataset for machine learning and signal processing optimization.
How it is different
Most competitors in this space are focused on providing exact glucose readings, which is essential for people with diabetes, but not necessarily for those with prediabetes. This leaves a huge gap: over 1 in 3 adults are prediabetic, and studies show that up to 70% of them could reverse their condition through lifestyle changes alone. However, this group is largely underserved by existing technologies. GlucoSense is designed specifically for them. Instead of chasing clinical grade accuracy, our system focuses on identifying glucose trends; whether levels are rising, stable, or falling. This is the kind of feedback that helps users build better habits, without the pressure or pain of invasive monitoring. By focusing on comfort, ease of use, and long-term prevention, we offer a solution that’s not just medically insightful but sustainable for everyday life.
Future plans
Our next step is in vitro lab testing to collect clean data for developing our machine learning model and improving signal processing. Once validated, we plan to integrate the mobile app with the device and begin pilot testing with prediabetic users. We’ll use this feedback to refine the hardware design, improve user experience, and prepare for regulatory discussions. In the long term, we aim to expand GlucoSense to track additional lifestyle-related biomarkers, creating a wearable platform for proactive, preventative health management.
Awards
Finalist - MAKO Student Innovation Award (2025) Winner - DMZ Basecamp Pitch Competition (2024)
Connect