UC San Diego smart ring for diabetes monitoring

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego introduced the Continuous Health Analyzing Ring Module (CHARM), a prototype smart ring that samples fingertip sweat via an osmotic hydrogel and uses electro‑chemical sensors to measure up to six biomarkers, including glucose, ketones, uric acid, lactate, vitamin C and alcohol. Initial trials with healthy volunteers and people with type‑1 diabetes showed glucose readings that closely matched those of commercial continuous glucose monitors and ketone values that aligned with standard blood tests. The device transmits data wirelessly to a smartphone, operates for roughly 12 hours on a single charge, and does not require active sweating or a docked charger.

A few days later the team publicly unveiled the ring, reiterating the same performance findings and emphasizing that broader clinical validation, improved hydrogel engineering, and enhanced battery design are needed before commercialization can proceed.