Smartwatches? Yeah, we’re getting used to them. Smart glasses? Maybe. A little sci-fi, perhaps, but why not? But what about smart earrings?
Meet yet another addition to the increasingly popular, increasingly fashionable world of smart jewelry that can monitor your health and look good, all at the same time (https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/smart-tech-earring-is-cgm-game-changer/).
This particular invention was developed for the 2020 Global Grad Show courtesy of 22-year-old University of Huddersfield graduate Tyra Kozlow. It’s not one of those excessively complicated devices that aims to track a dizzying array of different biomarkers. Instead, this earring has one extremely specific, very important purpose: It monitors blood sugar.
Anyone interested in biohacking probably takes an interest in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Our blood sugar levels can be an early warning sign for all kinds of health problems. For people with diabetes, however, being able to track glucose accurately can be life-saving. Having a constantly working monitor that also happens to be unobtrusive and stylish is a welcome bonus. Kozlow got the idea after chairing a focus group for parents of children with diabetes. Many of the children were refusing to manage their diabetes properly because they were ashamed or afraid of other people’s reactions.
The earring, called the Sense Glucose Earring, is unusual because unlike most glucose monitors, it doesn’t require a blood test. Instead, once you’ve used it to pierce the lobe, it releases radio waves that travel under your skin to collect the necessary data. Sense then sends the data directly to the app, and you’ll receive a notification. You can make any necessary adjustments, like taking insulin or having something to eat, and the app will help guide and advise you.
Sense has several advantages over other CGM monitors. Not only is it less invasive thanks to not needing to draw blood (which also means less medical waste), but it’s also small and easy to use. The batteries are rechargeable and therefore more environmentally friendly, and the recharging case is wireless. There’s also an element of customization in the earring design.
Blood sugar management is a complicated process. If it’s too high, it causes problems; if it’s too low, there’s a different set of issues. Diabetes can cause long-term disabilities and can be fatal in the worst cases. Anything that makes the process a little easier while reducing stigma should be welcomed.
