Reports about companies developing a “no prick” blood glucose meter have been around for a while. Well, it appears an Israeli company called, CNOGA, has finally cracked the code. The device has been approved in Europe and CNOGA will begin shipping the device in Europe, South America and countries throughout Asia.
This is really exciting stuff! The device uses LED lights and a small sophisticated camera to measure the color of your blood. The on board computer runs the results through an algorithm that sifts through over 68 billion possible result combinations to formulate your blood glucose levels.
All you have to do is stick your finger in the device and it simply beams light at your finger tips. A few moments later, the results are in. No test strips, no control solution, co coding, no lancet device, no pain! You can watch a video of the process below.
If this seems like science fiction, you’re not alone. When the company first looked for partners to develop the product they met with Texas Instruments (TI). The chief scientist at TI called CNOGA liars! Well, TI eventually came on board the project to supply some needed components and no one is calling them liars now!
All-in-all, the total development took 9 years and $8 million dollars. Initial pricing in Europe is approximately 1,500 euros. At today’s exchange rate, this is about $1,995. Pricey! However, if you spend $75 a month on testing supplies, then this device will be paid for in approximately 2 years. Like all medical devices, I would think pricing will come down over time. Nonetheless, right out of the gate the pricing is far less than other medical devices, such as an insulin pump, and there does not appear to be any ongoing supplies to purchase.
So, what about the availability in the United States? Encouragingly, the technology has already been approved by the FDA. HOWEVER, it has only been approved for other medical uses, not blood glucose testing. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, check out this great video about how the process works! You can also check out CNOGA.com.