Garmin Patents Reveal Blood Sugar Ambitions as Apple Race Heats Up

Garmin is reportedly exploring wrist-based HbA1c tracking technology, as highlighted by recent patent filings, in the ongoing race to develop non-invasive glucose monitoring features in smartwatches, particularly against Apple. One patent application describes a wearable device that uses pulse spectroscopy to estimate a user's glycated hemoglobin level by sending multiple wavelengths of light through the skin and analyzing the resulting optical signals.

Another patent addresses pressure compensation for wrist-based pulse spectrometry, accounting for pressure caused by a watch pressing against the skin to avoid distortion of optical signals. While Garmin's research focuses on estimating HbA1c—representing average blood sugar levels over a longer period—rather than providing continuous glucose readings, Apple and other smartwatch makers are pursuing similar approaches.

Both companies are working on ways to bring more metabolic health information to wearables, but Garmin's efforts specifically target the estimation of glycated hemoglobin, while Apple's research has not yet resulted in a glucose-measuring sensor in the Apple Watch. Despite the potential benefits, Garmin's research does not guarantee a commercial product, and there are significant regulatory hurdles to clear before such technology can be used for medical purposes.