According to anonymous sources at Apple, a Bloomberg report claimed that the app required employees to confirm prediabetes status through a blood test. They then tracked their blood sugar levels using a range of commercially available devices and logged dietary changes to monitor effects on their blood sugar.

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It indicates a higher risk of developing diabetes and other health issues, like heart disease and stroke, if left unmanaged.

The main causes of prediabetes are often linked to lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical inactivity, and weight, though genetics can also play a role. Managing these symptoms involves making resolute lifestyle changes—like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight—to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Apple has been developing a noninvasive glucose tracker for its smartwatch for over a decade. But their technology faces delays due to challenges with miniaturization and overheating. It’s uncertain if Apple will release food-logging features on their own or wait until the glucose monitor is ready. If successful, the app could offer prediabetic users diet recommendations to help prevent diabetes. However, as with many internal Apple projects, these features might never launch if they don’t align with Apple’s firm standards and vision.

The app was designed to explore potential tools Apple could create with blood sugar data. However, Bloomberg also mentions that Apple has since paused development to prioritize other health features. Even so, the trial run could very well shape future Apple health technology.