FDA warns consumers over smartwatches to measure blood glucose levels [Video]

Smartwatches and rings that claim to measure blood sugar levels for medical purposes without piercing the skin could be dangerous and should be avoided, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned.

Wednesday’s caution applies to any watch or ring, regardless of brand, that claims to measure blood glucose levels in a non-invasive way, the agency said. The FDA said it has not authorized any such device.

The agency’s notice doesn’t apply to smartwatch apps linked to sensors, such as continuous glucose monitoring systems that measure blood sugar directly.

Roughly 37 million Americans and more than three million Canadians, have diagnosed diabetes. People with the disease aren’t able to effectively regulate their blood sugar because their bodies either don’t make enough of the hormone insulin or they have become resistant to insulin.

Fasting and health for people with diabetes: Danielle Simko, a registered dietitian at the Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre and Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre, held a …