A Personal Beginning

In 2024, my own A1c reached 5.7 — a wake-up call. I became much more disciplined with my diet and committed to staying active. Eventually, I brought it down to 5.4. But it felt like a never-ending chase: constantly trying to avoid the next spike. I wanted a tool that could help me understand what might happen before I ate, and what I could do afterward to manage it better. That’s the simple idea that started it all.

When my mom was diagnosed with diabetes, I experienced firsthand how challenging and costly the path to better health can be. In my community, nearly every household includes someone managing diabetes. Family, neighbors, childhood friends — many are navigating this quiet, persistent condition. Yet, access to tools that support better glucose management — like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) — remains limited or financially out of reach for most.

That reality sparked a mission.

The Accessibility Gap in Diabetes Tools

CGMs offer valuable insights by showing how food impacts glucose levels in real-time. But access remains a hurdle. Many of the most effective programs are expensive, often bundled with monthly subscriptions, clinical oversight, or specialized hardware.

I enrolled my mom in a structured program that helped her improve her blood sugar levels through diet. But I realized it wasn’t scalable for most. She didn’t need another device — she needed straightforward, accessible support.

The Vision Behind GlucoSpike AI

What if people could receive food-related glucose guidance — even before eating — using just a photo?

No wearables. No finger pricks. No hassle.

With the help of image recognition and large language models, GlucoSpike estimates the type and quantity of food in a meal and provides guidance based on recognized nutritional impacts. Our internal tests show about 80% accuracy, with improvements underway. It’s not perfect — even CGMs have a margin of error — but it’s a practical, scalable option for millions who want to eat smarter without expensive tech.

Designed for Everyday People

GlucoSpike isn’t made for biohackers or athletes. It’s for your mom, your uncle, your colleague in Toronto, or your friend in Hyderabad. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, pre-diabetic, or trying to avoid medications, GlucoSpike provides simple, real-time insights — without graphs or medical jargon.

Clearing the Confusion Around Food

Misunderstandings about glucose and diet are widespread. In the U.S., oats are often viewed as a safe option, though they may cause spikes for some. In India, roti — a dietary staple — may not work well for everyone.

GlucoSpike helps clarify, not alarm. By analyzing food photos and comparing them to nutritional models, we help users understand what might spike glucose, what nutrients are missing, and how actions like adding protein or adjusting portion size could help.

It’s not about saying “no” — it’s about empowering better choices.

A Starting Point, Not a Substitute

GlucoSpike is not a replacement for CGMs, especially for those with Type 1 diabetes or using insulin. Rather, it’s a more accessible starting point for glucose awareness, where traditional tools are impractical or cost-prohibitive.