Researchers at UC San Diego have developed an innovative smart ring capable of continuously tracking biochemical markers in sweat, offering a comprehensive and discreet tool for personalised health monitoring, particularly benefiting diabetes care.
Engineers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a smart ring that can continuously measure several biochemical markers in sweat, including glucose, ketones, vitamin C, uric acid, lactate and alcohol. The device uses an osmotic hydrogel to draw sweat from a finger without requiring exercise, then sends the readings to a smartphone app, according to the university and the paper in Nature Communications.
The ring is designed to do more than mimic existing wellness wearables. Researchers said it goes beyond commercial smart rings, which mostly track physical signals such as heart rate or sleep, by adding molecular data that can give a fuller picture of metabolism and nutrition. Joseph Wang’s laboratory at UC San Diego said the ability to follow glucose and ketones at the same time could be particularly useful for diabetes management, where both markers can help inform insulin decisions and dietary choices.
In tests involving healthy volunteers and people with type 1 diabetes, the ring’s readings tracked closely with commercial continuous glucose monitors and blood ketone meters, the university said. The paper also describes a fully integrated system built for everyday use, with compact electronics and wireless transmission, rather than a laboratory-only prototype.
UC San Diego said the device can be calibrated automatically for individual users, with calibration remaining stable for two months. The ring is also intended to improve comfort and discretion, since it combines multiple measurements into one wearable rather than separate devices. Reuters could not independently verify the research claims beyond the university’s materials and the published paper.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
