Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can warn people when their blood sugar rises. Researchers have now paired one with an implant capable of responding automatically.

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a wireless device that lowered blood sugar without administering insulin in mice with type 2 diabetes, according to findings published Oct. 22 in Science.

The system links glucose monitoring to automatic treatment, but it has not yet been tested in humans.

A phone connects the glucose sensor to the implant

Researchers call the device ECHO, short for electrocatalytic closed-loop health optimization. A commercial CGM, typically worn on the upper arm, measures glucose in fluid beneath the skin. ECHO relies on readings from the separate sensor to determine when treatment should begin.

Measurements travel over Bluetooth to a smartphone or smartwatch , similar to the connection used by CGM-compatible apps. Once glucose exceeds a programmed threshold, the connected device instructs ECHO to activate.…