# 121. Power Up Your Wearable Devices with Blood Sugar!

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2023-05-09
- Length: 15m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-09-121-power-up-your-wearable-devices-with-blood-sugar
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/121-power-up-your-wearable-devices-with-blood-sugar-Td_Ml_rr

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss a breakthrough from ETH Zurich researchers, led by Dr. Martin, who have developed an implantable, self-powering insulin pump for Type 1 diabetes. The system uses a metabolic biofuel cell to convert excess blood glucose into electricity, which then activates synthetic beta cells to produce insulin, creating a closed-loop, biomimetic regulatory system. The hosts highlight the potential to eliminate the need for external battery replacements in current medical devices.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-09-121-power-up-your-wearable-devices-with-blood-sugar#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor Read
- [3:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-09-121-power-up-your-wearable-devices-with-blood-sugar#t=194) The Problem with Current Insulin Pumps
- [6:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-09-121-power-up-your-wearable-devices-with-blood-sugar#t=380) The ETH Zurich Solution: Metabolic Biofuel Cell
- [8:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-09-121-power-up-your-wearable-devices-with-blood-sugar#t=483) System Mechanics: Synthetic Beta Cells and Alginate
- [11:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-09-121-power-up-your-wearable-devices-with-blood-sugar#t=666) Biomimicry and Self-Regulation
- [14:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-09-121-power-up-your-wearable-devices-with-blood-sugar#t=868) Commercialization and Call to Action

## Topics

- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- ETH Zurich (company)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Apple Watch (product)
- Whoop (product)
- Dr. Martin (other)

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## Citing this page

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