Paul Goode: Implantable Glucose Monitoring—and a Neural Interface Twist

In this episode, Paul Goode (Glucotrack) dives into the next wave of continuous glucose monitoring: an active, fully implantable CGM designed to deliver long-term, pacemaker-style reliability without external wearables. We discuss first-in-human progress, why implantables may change diabetes care at home, and a fascinating neural angle—how similar chemistry and form factors could be adapted to epidural glucose sensing and even paired with neural recording electrodes to capture metabolic and neural data together. If you care about closed-loop systems, chronic implants, or bridging bioelectrochemistry with neurotech, this one’s for you.

 

Top 3 Takeaways:

• Epidural glucose sensing works long-term: Initial short animal tests showed continuous glucose measurement in the epidural space, and a follow-up multi-month study delivered phenomenal, stable results.
• Epidural placement matches CGM performance: The sensor sits on top of the dura mater in the epidural space (effectively an interstitial environment) and, in studies run alongside a conventional subcutaneous CGM, showed comparable timing and responsiveness. Since the brain runs on glucose, this is surprising but logical. 
• Seamless SCS integration is feasible: The epidural glucose sensor uses a simple potentiostat and three-electrode setup, adding minimal electronics to existing spinal cord stimulator platforms. The team aims to generate first-in-human data to catalyze partnerships with SCS companies.

1:15 Do you want to introduce yourself better than I just did?

2:15 Why was a glucose sensor company invited to come on the Neural Implant Podcast?

7:15 How many electrodes on a device would need to be used in order to measure glucose in the epidural space?

8:45 How do your glucose measurements compare with Continuous Glucose Monitors?

12:30 What's the company's next step?

16:00 Is there anything you would want of the Neural Implant community?