Researchers at UC San Diego have created a smart ring capable of continuously analysing multiple chemical markers in sweat, offering new potential for health, diet, and metabolic monitoring through a wearable device.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a smart ring that can continuously measure several chemical markers in sweat at once, including glucose, ketones, vitamin C, uric acid, lactate and alcohol, according to a study published in Nature Communications. The team says the device is designed to turn an everyday wearable into a tool for ongoing biochemical monitoring, rather than simply tracking motion or heart rate.
The ring works by passively drawing sweat through a hydrogel layer, then analysing the sample with electrochemical sensors before sending the data to a smartphone app. According to the UC San Diego announcement, the aim is to give users a clearer picture of changes in their health, diet and lifestyle without requiring active sampling or repeated testing.
For people with diabetes, the most significant potential use may be the continuous tracking of glucose and ketones, which researchers say could help refine insulin dosing. The study also suggests the device could be useful for monitoring alcohol intake and other metabolic changes, although it remains a research prototype and not a consumer product.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
