Sept.A Google logo is seen at the entrance to the company's offices in Toronto. (REUTERS)
Google has announced that it plans to develop a bandage-sized wearable glucose monitoring device with DexCom, a manufacturer of continuous glucose monitoring systems, Medical News Today reported.
The companies say the device will be low-cost, disposable and helpful for patients with all types of diabetes. The technology also will be connected to cloud storage and provide real-time information.
DexCom, which is based in San Diego, California, said the collaboration aims to create products that are significantly smaller and less costly than existing technologies.
More than 29 million Americans have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One in four are unaware that they are affected by the disorder, in which blood glucose levels are above normal.
Physical activity, diet and medication are used to manage diabetes, as well as tracking personal glucose levels. Google and Dexcom said their new product could eventually replace finger-stick glucometers used to self-monitor blood glucose.
According to DexCom, the new wearable will become commercially available within the next two to three years.
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