Archive · 6 Dec 2025
MIT's Light-Based Sensor May Eliminate Finger Pricks for Diabetes
Scientists at MIT have created a new way to check blood sugar levels for people with diabetes.
Instead of using needles to prick fingers, this new device uses light to measure glucose.
The device shines light on the skin and reads the signals to find out the sugar levels.
It's not as big as it used to be and now takes about 30 seconds to get a reading.
The researchers are working to make it even smaller, like a smartwatch, and to make sure it works well for everyone.
This could make life easier for millions of people with diabetes.
MIT researchers developed a non-invasive glucose monitor using light waves.
The device uses Raman spectroscopy to measure glucose levels without finger pricks.
Current size is about a shoebox, with plans to miniaturize it to smartwatch size.
Reading time is just over 30 seconds, with accuracy comparable to existing monitors.
Researchers are focusing on ensuring the device works consistently across all skin tones.
- Who
- Researchers at MIT
- What
- Developed a non-invasive glucose-monitoring system using light waves
- When
- Published in 2024, based on over 15 years of research
- Where
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Why
- To eliminate the need for finger pricks and improve convenience for diabetes patients
- Institution
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Journal
- Analytical Chemistry
- Technology
- Raman spectroscopy
- Reading Time
- 30 seconds
- Accuracy
- Comparable to current continuous glucose monitors
- Current Size
- Shoebox-sized
- Future Goal
- Smartwatch-sized device