The wait is finally over for people with diabetes. For years, innovators have been trying to develop a blood glucose monitor that doesn't require pricking your skin. The PreEvnt Isaac is the latest addition to this quest and it's a small device, about the size of a quarter, which you can wear around your neck or keep in your bag.
The PreEvnt Isaac measures volatile organic compounds in your breath to detect biomarkers like acetone that can be correlated with rising blood glucose levels. This means you won't have to visit the bathroom every few minutes to prick your skin and check your sugar levels. The device is also relatively inexpensive, at $399 for a single unit.
The idea behind this technology was born out of necessity after Bud Wilcox's grandson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just two years old. Wilcox realized that "acetone breath" - the sweet, fruity breath that people with diabetes often experience - could be used to check for blood sugar events.
PreEvnt and Wilcox showcased their concept at CES 2025, and later it entered active human clinical trials at Indiana University. The study is comparing Isaac's performance with traditional blood sugar monitoring, starting with adolescents with type 1 diabetes and then expanding to adults with type 2 diabetes.
The device was demoed for the author, who wore it around their neck and took a few deep breaths onto the device. It computed the user's blood sugar levels and logged them into the companion smartphone app. The app also includes features like a log of what you're eating on a timeline, which can help prevent hypoglycemic episodes.
The development of this technology is not without its challenges. Metabolic tracking has become increasingly popular in recent years, with companies monitoring users' food intake and blood sugar levels for peak performance or weight loss. However, the Isaac serves as a reminder that these technologies were initially developed to make a difference in people's lives - particularly those living with diabetes.
The Isaac is set to undergo regulatory review by the US Food and Drug Administration later this year, which could pave the way for its release on the market.
The PreEvnt Isaac measures volatile organic compounds in your breath to detect biomarkers like acetone that can be correlated with rising blood glucose levels. This means you won't have to visit the bathroom every few minutes to prick your skin and check your sugar levels. The device is also relatively inexpensive, at $399 for a single unit.
The idea behind this technology was born out of necessity after Bud Wilcox's grandson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just two years old. Wilcox realized that "acetone breath" - the sweet, fruity breath that people with diabetes often experience - could be used to check for blood sugar events.
PreEvnt and Wilcox showcased their concept at CES 2025, and later it entered active human clinical trials at Indiana University. The study is comparing Isaac's performance with traditional blood sugar monitoring, starting with adolescents with type 1 diabetes and then expanding to adults with type 2 diabetes.
The device was demoed for the author, who wore it around their neck and took a few deep breaths onto the device. It computed the user's blood sugar levels and logged them into the companion smartphone app. The app also includes features like a log of what you're eating on a timeline, which can help prevent hypoglycemic episodes.
The development of this technology is not without its challenges. Metabolic tracking has become increasingly popular in recent years, with companies monitoring users' food intake and blood sugar levels for peak performance or weight loss. However, the Isaac serves as a reminder that these technologies were initially developed to make a difference in people's lives - particularly those living with diabetes.
The Isaac is set to undergo regulatory review by the US Food and Drug Administration later this year, which could pave the way for its release on the market.
$399 for a device that's basically just a fancy breathalyzer? I mean, I get it, no more finger pricking 
but who can afford that kind of money right now? 
And what's up with the "vampire" breath test anyway? Like, if you're gonna make me wear some sweaty armband and breathe into a tiny device all day, at least give me a nice pair of earbuds to listen to 
. Also, when exactly is this thing going to be released? 2025? Sounds like just another "next year" 
.
It's crazy how something so small can make such a big difference in managing diabetes. No more annoying finger pricks all day! 
The idea of using breath to detect biomarkers is genius, especially since it doesn't require any extra equipment or setup. Plus, the price point is pretty sweet for a device that could potentially save lives. I'm really rooting for this tech to make its way into mainstream use ASAP. 
I'm so hyped about this new tech! As someone who's had to deal with the hassle of constant blood sugar checks, it's amazing that there's a device like PreEvnt Isaac that can make life easier for people with diabetes 
It's also super affordable at $399, which is a huge win. I'm all about innovation and making a difference in people's lives 
. Can't wait to see how this tech develops and hopefully gets approved by the FDA soon 
. And it's not just about convenience – this thing could literally be a lifesaver for people with diabetes.
. This technology is like a breath of fresh air – it's going to make such a huge difference for people with diabetes.
. But if this thing works as promised, it'll be a game-changer for sure. Fingers crossed! 
. This PreEvnt Isaac is like a breath of fresh air (no pun intended) - affordable and doesn't require any needles, which is super convenient.
I'm so stoked about the PreEvnt Isaac! It's like, a game-changer for people with diabetes. No more pricking yourself every few minutes, that's just crazy talk 
. I mean, who wants to deal with that? The idea of using breath sensors is genius - it's like, a breath of fresh air (pun intended) 
.
! I can imagine how stressful it must be to constantly check your sugar levels, and this thing does it all without having to go through that. Plus, it's pretty affordable, which is a major bonus 
. Fingers crossed it gets approved by the FDA soon!
, it's like having a personal breath analyzer 
. And the fact that it's relatively affordable is a major win for people with diabetes who can't afford fancy tech 
. Now I'm curious to see how it compares to traditional blood sugar monitoring... fingers crossed it gets FDA approval soon 
. The fact that it uses your breath to detect biomarkers is genius 
. And the price, yeah it's not cheap but it's an investment in your health, right? 
.
. And I love how it logs your food intake too - helps you keep track of what you're eating and when, which can be a real challenge for people with diabetes 
.
i mean, i know it's been a long journey but it's amazing to think that there are people like bud wilcox who lost their grandkid to diabetes and just wanted to help create something that could make life easier for others. the preevnt isaac is literally like a breath of fresh air (pun intended) 
It's like wearing a tiny superhero cape around your neck! 
. And don't even get me started on the breath thing... acetone breath? That sounds kinda gross 
. Like, can you imagine being able to just breathe normally and not have to worry about checking your blood sugar levels every 5 minutes? That would be a game changer for me 
.
We're talking about a new tech that's just popping up now, after all these years of 'efforts' from innovators. What's the real motive behind Bud Wilcox's grandson being diagnosed with diabetes? Was it just a coincidence or was there something more to it? 
And what about the FDA review? That sounds like a bunch of corporate red tape to me... 
... and $399 is actually pretty reasonable considering how much hassle traditional blood glucose monitoring can be...