A non-invasive glucose monitoring technology redefining diabetes care through infrared innovation
The challenge
Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in Europe and globally, affecting an estimated 61 million adults across the continent[1]. Over 90% of these individuals live with Type 2 diabetes, which requires regular self-monitoring of blood glucose to manage the disease and avoid long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, and vision loss[2].
Despite the critical importance of glucose monitoring, current state-of-the-art methods remain invasive, painful, and costly. The majority of patients still rely on finger-prick test strips, which require multiple punctures daily. Others use Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems that involve inserting a needle under the skin. Both methods involve discomfort, ongoing costs (test strips, sensors, lancets), and produce considerable medical waste. This complexity and burden result in low patient adherence to monitoring guidelines—especially among children, the elderly, and those with needle anxiety—leading to poor glycemic control and increased risk of acute and chronic complications[3].
For healthcare professionals, irregular and insufficient data hinders effective treatment decisions. As a result, diabetes imposes a major economic burden on European healthcare systems, accounting for €161 billion annually in direct and indirect costs[4]. The wider societal impact includes loss of productivity, early mortality, and reduced quality of life, making the development of a non-invasive, scalable, and user-friendly monitoring solution one of the most urgent unmet needs in diabetes care.
The solution
DiaMonTech is developing a groundbreaking, non-invasive glucose monitoring solution that uses mid-infrared photothermal deflection spectroscopy (MIR-PTD) to measure blood glucose levels through the skin, without the need of finger pricking. This patented method is based on over 20 years of scientific research and has been validated in a clinical study conducted by the Institute for Diabetes Technology in Ulm, Germany[5].
We are currently advancing two products:
- D-Base (in approval process for CE sign): a desktop device about the size of a shoebox. This is our first product to go through the approval process with a notified body in Europe and with the FDA in the USA.
- D-Pocket (under development): A mobile, standalone device about the size of a smartphone that provides spot measurements of glucose levels when the user places their finger or wrist on the sensor. It is ideal for daily use and is being designed as an alternative to conventional blood glucose meters.
Both solutions aim to eliminate pain and reduce cost by avoiding consumables like test strips or sensors. The D-Pocket is expected to be market-ready 2026/2027.
DiaMonTech has attracted over €25 million in funding from institutional investors such as Samsung Ventures, Macnica, and IBB Ventures.
Expected impact
The DiaMonTech project has the potential to reshape diabetes care in Europe and beyond by:
- Strengthening healthcare systems
- Reducing the volume of consumables (lancets, strips, sensors) will decrease waste, simplify logistics, and cut costs associated with diabetes monitoring.
- Healthcare providers gain access to more consistent and higher-quality patient data, improving clinical decision-making and reducing hospitalizations due to poor glucose control.
- Improving health outcomes and quality of life
- By making glucose monitoring painless, convenient, and non-invasive, patient adherence is expected to rise significantly. More frequent monitoring enables tighter glycemic control, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing long-term health outcomes.
- Contributing to a sustainable health economy
- The reduction in complications and comorbidities will ease pressure on public health systems and lower long-term treatment costs.
- DiaMonTech’s scalable business model (hardware sales and licensing opportunities) is designed to make innovation accessible without increasing the cost burden on patients or insurers.
- Promoting digital health innovation in Europe
- The project exemplifies Europe’s leadership in medtech innovation and fosters high-skilled job creation in the biotech and healthtech sectors.
Ultimately, DiaMonTech’s non-invasive glucose monitoring technology supports the EIT Health mission by combining technological excellence with societal benefit, helping millions of people manage diabetes more effectively, and ensuring Europe’s healthcare systems are more resilient, sustainable, and patient-centred.
External Partners
- DiaMonTech AG, Activity Leader, tech leader, commercialization
References
[1] IDF Europe (2023) IDF Diabetes Atlas – Europe Region. https://idf.org
[2] WHO (2023) Diabetes Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
[3] Polonsky, W. H., & Fisher, L. (2013). Physician–patient communication and diabetes self-care. Current Diabetes Reports, 13(6), 900–908
[4] IDF (2021) Diabetes Atlas, 10th Edition. https://diabetesatlas.org/
[5] Clinical Trials (2024) Feasibility of Non-invasive Glucose Monitoring by Using Photothermal Deflectometry. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06088615?term=diamontech&rank=2