Qatar University Unveils AI-Powered Wearable to Monitor Blood Glucose Without Needles
Qatar University has developed a smart wearable device that can estimate blood glucose levels without finger pricks or blood samples, relying instead on artificial intelligence and physiological signal analysis.
The device, called GlucoWatch, is the product of an ongoing research initiative aimed at advancing innovative healthcare solutions. It was created by a team led by Qatar University researcher and inventor Dr Khalid Abu Al Saud, working alongside computer engineering students Nora Al Bardini, Mazoon Al Shahwani, Fatima Al Kaabi and Sara Al Muhannadi. A US patent application for the invention has already been published under the number US20240138776A.
Speaking to the Qatar News Agency, Dr Abu Al Saud described GlucoWatch as an intelligent medical system that uses AI to estimate glucose levels by analyzing indicators such as heart rate signals, blood pressure readings and select demographic data. He said the technology offers a promising alternative to conventional monitoring methods that require repeated finger pricks, enabling users to track their readings through a connected mobile application.
The system is designed to support diabetes management by delivering regular glucose estimates, issuing alerts when readings fall outside medically approved ranges, and allowing users to share their health data with family members or healthcare providers while preserving privacy. According to the research team, the device could eventually be integrated into remote healthcare services and digital health platforms.
Dr Abu Al Saud explained that the project originated as a graduation assignment for computer engineering students before growing into a dedicated research effort. Its development passed through several stages, including prototype design, the creation of AI algorithms, the building of a companion mobile app, and initial validation testing against reference measurements. The project went on to win a gold medal at the International Invention Fair of the Middle East in Kuwait in 2023.
Dr Abu Al Saud emphasized the central role the student team played throughout the process — from identifying the problem and designing the system to processing data, developing the AI models, building the prototype and conducting early testing.
The team is now focused on further development and broader validation, which includes expanding its database, refining its AI models and building a more advanced version of the device. Looking ahead, the researchers plan to pursue partnerships with healthcare and industrial organizations to turn the technology into a market-ready product, while keeping it affordable.
Dr Abu Al Saud added that continued investment in healthcare research and innovation aligns with Qatar's National Vision 2030, noting that the team's goal is to complete the necessary scientific validation and regulatory approvals before making the technology available to patients in Qatar and beyond.
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