Smart watches are becoming increasingly popular and are providing more and more health information. But is it good information? Smart watches have sensors that measure heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen. Samsung has received FDA approval for a sleep-apnea detection tool and promised that there would be more updates available this year. Watches claim to predict stress level, and evaluate physical and mental health using your activity level, sleep patterns, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability.
According to CNET, this year you will see even more health tracking features, many delivered by AI. For example, if you are a runner and have a challenging run, you can ask your smartwatch why you struggled. Presumably it will review all your health data and let you know what the issue is.
According to Dr. Peter Lin, CBC house doctor, a number of “wearable devices” are claiming that they can measure blood glucose levels “without piercing the skin.” The FDA is warning against this claim, as none of these devices has been approved.
Getting FDA approval is expensive and difficult and wearable devices have gotten around the need for such approval by claiming to offer information, not diagnoses. Since the risks associated with mismeasuring blood glucose are significant, the FDA has issued a warning about the glucose monitoring claims. Dr. Lin notes that this non-skin piercing technology may be possible; however, at this time, the lack of testing makes this technology risky.
Recognizing the desire of its membership to have access to continuous health monitoring, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has provided information about the current and future state of wearable technology to its membership. Here are their insights:
- Electrocardiogram can detect A-fib and has clearance from FDA.
- Electrodermal sensor provides information that is used to calculate your stress management. If high, the watch may recommend activities to reduce stress levels.
- Blood oxygen levels may provide early signs of circulatory, heart, or lung function issues.
The AARP also reports that there are devices in the works that may provide better and proven monitoring for glucose and blood pressure, assist with asthma management, and even provide better insight into connections between physical activity and daily routines. Regardless of the ability of wearable technology to track health status, there is evidence that wearing a fitness tracker is motivating and results in increased activity rates and possibly weight loss.