The next-generation smartwatch, the Apple Watch 7, scheduled for release later this year, could offer a non-invasive tool for blood glucose monitoring

ETNews reports that blood glucose monitoring will be a key feature of the upcoming Apple Watch and will benefit users with diabetes: According to the CDC's National Diabetes Statistics Report released last year, just over 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and measuring blood glucose levels on the wrist can help many measuring blood glucose levels on the wrist could help many Apple Watch users manage their condition

While Apple would not suggest that the smartwatch capability of glucose monitoring will completely replace invasive testing, it is a good sign of advances in monitoring technology Less cumbersome testing methods, such as continuous monitoring with a small on-body pump, are already gaining popularity

Indeed, finger prick-free systems from companies like Freestyle Libre and Dexcom now offer a way to check blood sugar levels and trends at a glance with compatible apps for the Apple Watch We even helped a reader choose the right Apple Watch for monitoring diabetes with the Dexcom G6 system

Apple also sells the sleek-looking OneDrop blood glucose management system on its store website

While a credible Apple Watch 7 leak is still months away, it is reasonable to assume that blood glucose monitoring will be a reality In addition to Apple's current status of upgrading its smartwatch with new health tools every year, Apple Watch's most direct competitor is also rumored to be getting this feature

According to the same ETNews report, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or the fitness-oriented Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 3 will be available later this year and will offer non-invasive blood glucose monitoring

In the past, Samsung's late summer Unpacked keynote has been earlier than Apple's, so it is possible that the upcoming Galaxy Watch will announce this game-changing feature for diabetic users ahead of the Apple Watch 7