Garmin's Patent Play: A Step Toward the Elusive Non-Invasive Glucose Monitor

Garmin, the fitness and navigation giant, has placed a quiet but significant bet on the future of health wearables. A recently granted patent reveals the company's research into a method for estimating blood sugar levels using only the optical sensors already embedded in its watches. This move positions Garmin in a high-stakes, long-running race to measure glucose without a needle.

The patent details a system using the watch's existing green and infrared LEDs—the same ones that measure heart rate—to analyze light reflected from blood vessels. Advanced signal processing and machine learning would interpret this data to infer glucose concentrations, theoretically personalizing its accuracy over time for each wearer. While the concept of optical glucose sensing is decades old, Garmin’s entry is notable due to its massive manufacturing scale and deep roots with health-focused consumers.

They are not alone. Apple has invested billions in a similar endeavor for the Apple Watch, and Samsung is also exploring the field. The technical barriers are immense, as glucose signals are faint and easily confused by other biological factors. Past efforts, like Google's contact lens project, have faltered.

Even if the technology works, the path to market is steep. Any feature claiming to measure glucose would face intense scrutiny from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Positioning it as a wellness trend tool, rather than a medical device, presents legal risks if users with diabetes rely on potentially inaccurate data.

For Garmin, this patent is a strategic marker. It signals an ambition to own the next major health metric in wearables, a natural extension for a brand trusted by athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. The consumer demand is undeniable, fueled by wider interest in metabolic health. While a product is not guaranteed—many patents never materialize—Garmin is now formally in the hunt for a breakthrough that could redefine its industry.