Researchers at UC San Diego have unveiled a non-invasive smart ring capable of continuously measuring multiple biomarkers in finger sweat, offering real-time health insights without blood tests and promising advantages for individuals with diabetes.
Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a smart ring that can continuously measure several biomarkers in finger sweat, including glucose, ketones, vitamin C, uric acid, lactate and alcohol. The team says the device is designed to give real-time biochemical information without blood tests, adding a molecular layer to wearables that usually focus only on movement or other physical signals. The work was published in Nature Communications.
The ring uses an osmotic hydrogel to draw tiny amounts of sweat passively from the skin, which means it does not rely on exercise or heavy perspiration. That makes it possible to collect readings even while the wearer is resting or asleep, according to the researchers and the university’s report on the study.
For people with diabetes, the ability to track glucose and ketones together could be especially useful. The researchers say that continuous monitoring over about 12 hours may help with insulin-dose decisions, while the ring’s non-invasive design could also make everyday use easier than conventional monitoring tools. The study found the device performed comparably to continuous glucose monitors and commercial blood ketone tests, and that its calibration remained stable for two months.
Joseph Wang, who leads the laboratory, said a ring that captures dynamic molecular information in real time could support more informed decisions about health, diet and lifestyle. Tamogna Saha, a postdoctoral researcher at UC San Diego, said commercial rings today provide only biophysical data and lack molecular information on biochemical markers. The team says the new device is intended to close that gap by sending its readings to a smartphone app.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
