Beurer invests in start-up PKvitality for a revolutionary type of blood glucose measurement

According to the Diabetes Atlas of the "International Diabetes Federation", there are currently 7.5 million people with diabetes mellitus living in Germany. Diabetics need to keep an eye on their blood glucose levels at all times. Up until now, monitoring has been associated with frequently pricking the skin and taking blood drops, usually from the fingertip. This is to change with the new K'Watch from PKvitality. The innovative smartwatch continuously monitors blood glucose levels in a discreet way without needing a single drop of blood. Beurer is collaborating with the French start-up and is investing two million euros in this revolutionary type of blood glucose measurement.

The condition of diabetes mellitus is understood to be any type of disorder in the human metabolism resulting in a long-term increase in the blood glucose level. In the case of diabetics, no or barely any insulin is produced. Generally, a distinction is made between two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 5% of all diabetics. This is an autoimmune condition in which the body's production of insulin has been destroyed by the immune system. The condition mainly first occurs in children, teenagers and adults up to 40 years of age. Those affected usually measure their blood glucose level between four and ten times a day or wear a CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) system for continuous glucose measurement. The largest proportion of diabetics suffer from type 2 diabetes. This condition is considered a "disease of the affluent" and accounts for approx. 95% of diabetics. In this case, the effect of insulin is decreased and at the same time there is a lack of insulin.

How does measurement with the K'Watch work?
Unlike measurements taken with a conventional blood glucose monitor where a drop of blood is usually taken from the side of the fingertip, measurements with the K'Watch do not involve measuring capillary whole blood or plasma. A patented biosensor – the SkinTaste^® – is attached to the underside of the watch and uses a microsensor to measure the chemical composition of the interstitial fluid. Thanks to integrated microneedles, the measurement is painless. Activity and heart rate measurement are also integrated into the smartwatch. The continuous measurement allows for quick and easy monitoring of the blood glucose level, without tedious blood sampling. In this way, it detects and alerts the user in the event of excessive or insufficient glucose in the blood. The splash-proof watch is permanently worn on the wrist and, thus, does not have to be stuck to the skin with an adhesive, like conventional CGM systems. The unobtrusive watch provides a discreet way of monitoring a person's blood glucose level, without stigmatising the user as a diabetic.

About PKvitality
The French start-up, a 20-person-strong team based in Paris, is a manufacturer of bio-wearables and was founded in 2013. The cost-efficient design of the K'Watch is particularly patient friendly and was developed by a team of highly qualified experts from the field and industry: the team is headed up by CEO Luc Pierart, who previously worked at Alcatel Lucent and Motorola, General Manager Minh Lê, who joined the company from Withings, and CTO Tom Bishop, who has 35 years of experience in the medical technology industry, specifically in the area of continuous blood glucose monitoring.

Beurer will provide active support to the French start-up as a strategic partner, and take over exclusive responsibility for sales of the K'Watch in Germany, Austria and Italy. The further development of the product will take around another two years.