Innovative Breath-Based Device Set to Transform Glucose Monitoring

A groundbreaking device designed to monitor blood glucose levels without the need for needles has emerged, promising to change the way diabetes is managed. The device, named isaac, analyzes breath instead of requiring traditional blood tests, addressing the discomfort often associated with glucose monitoring. Developed by PreEvnt, isaac captures volatile organic compounds, particularly acetone, which can indicate fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

The Importance of Non-Invasive Monitoring

For individuals with diabetes, constant glucose monitoring is vital. Traditional methods, such as finger pricks and under-skin sensors, can be invasive and painful. This can be especially challenging for small children, older adults, and those who have a fear of needles. As the prevalence of diabetes rises, so too does the demand for more user-friendly monitoring solutions. The popularity of GLP-1 medications has led to increased interest in blood sugar tracking among those without diabetes, further amplifying the need for innovative tools.

Despite significant investments from major tech companies like Apple, a truly non-invasive glucose tracking feature has yet to be realized. With isaac, PreEvnt aims to fill this gap by providing a device that promises early alerts for glucose changes without the discomfort of traditional methods.

How the isaac Device Works

Unveiled at the CES 2026 technology trade show, isaac is a compact device about the size of a quarter. Users simply breathe into it, and the device processes the data to monitor glucose levels. By analyzing breath samples, isaac detects changes in acetone and other compounds related to blood sugar levels, potentially alerting users before they experience significant fluctuations.

The motivation behind isaac is deeply personal. Its inventor, Bud Wilcox, sought to minimize the painful finger pricks his grandson, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of two, had to endure daily. This personal connection has fueled years of collaboration with scientists, designers, and engineers, including work with Indiana University under the guidance of Dr. M. Agarwal. The primary aim is to alert families to blood sugar events earlier, thereby reducing the physical and emotional toll of constant monitoring.

The device is designed to seamlessly integrate into daily routines. Users breathe into isaac, which then communicates with a companion smartphone app. Although the app is still in development, it will include features such as meal logging, a history of breath readings, and alerts that can notify emergency contacts. This functionality is crucial, as hypoglycemic events can render individuals disoriented or incapacitated, making timely intervention essential.

Current Status and Future Prospects

Clinical trials for isaac began after its introduction at CES 2025, initially involving adolescents with type 1 diabetes and later expanding to adults with type 2 diabetes. These trials compare the breath-based alerts of isaac with traditional blood glucose monitoring methods. PreEvnt is currently seeking regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a de novo pathway, a process that enables the evaluation of new devices while standards are being established. The company has noted strong interest from regulators as trial data is collected.

While isaac does not claim to replace medical-grade glucose meters, it aims to complement existing monitoring methods by providing an additional layer of awareness through breath-based alerts. If the ongoing clinical trials yield positive results and regulatory approval is granted, isaac could significantly streamline the monitoring process for those living with diabetes.

The prospect of a non-invasive glucose monitoring device has long been anticipated, and the attention surrounding isaac at CES 2026 indicates that this innovation may finally be within reach. For families managing diabetes, the potential shift towards breath-based monitoring could make daily life more manageable and secure.