Wearable technology has evolved far beyond its humble beginnings as simple step counters or heart rate monitors. Today, these devices are pushing the boundaries of health monitoring, offering insights into blood oxygenation, glucose levels, and even blood pressure. However, the reliability of these advanced features remains a topic of debate among experts.
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, some of the most innovative wearable devices took center stage. From smartwatches to health-tracking patches, the event showcased how far the industry has come since the launch of the Apple Watch nearly a decade ago. According to market analysts,the global wearable tech market,encompassing watches,bracelets,and other bands,is currently valued at approximately $60 billion and is projected to surpass $100 billion by the end of the decade.
“Before smartwatches, no one was thinking about heart rate monitoring,” said Anna Barnacka, CEO and president of health tech startup MindMics. “Today, everyone is quite aware of how important it is.”
MindMics is one of the companies leading the charge in wearable innovation. their technology uses headphones and wave-based analysis to provide a extensive overview of cardiac activity, including the condition and function of heart valves. “You can look at your heart with the precision of a medical device,” Barnacka explained. During clinical trials, the device successfully detected a heart murmur in a patient with aortic stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of a heart valve. Traditionally, diagnosing this condition requires invasive procedures, such as inserting a probe into an artery.
Another standout at CES was Stelo, a non-prescription wearable patch developed by California-based DexCom. Unlike conventional glucose monitors, which are typically reserved for diabetics, Stelo is designed for a broader audience. “If you have prediabetes, or if you’re just interested in understanding how different foods impact your body, this device is for you,” said DexCom’s chief operating officer, Jake Leach.According to the U.S. centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 100 million americans have prediabetes—a condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels that fall just below the threshold for diabetes. “The vast majority of them don’t know they have prediabetes because they haven’t had the testing,” Leach added.
Beyond glucose and heart monitoring, the latest generation of wearables can detect sleep apnea, measure blood pressure, and identify cardiac arrhythmias. Yet, despite their growing capabilities, skepticism remains within the medical community. Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Center for health Research (NCHR), expressed concerns about the regulatory oversight of these devices. “I’m sure some of these products are beneficial, so I don’t want to sound like I’m doubting all of them, but the approval process is honestly pathetic,” she said. Zuckerman pointed to the U.S. Food and Drug Management (FDA), which oversees the validation of these devices, noting that they “are not tested as rigorously” as pharmaceuticals.
zuckerman emphasized the need for greater clarity in the industry. “The only way I could tell whether the quality of the data is improving is if it were being made publicly available in a way that somebody like me could evaluate,” she said.While companies like DexCom and MindMics have undergone autonomous studies that validate their effectiveness for certain metrics, the broader industry still faces challenges in standardizing data accuracy.
Tammy Brady, a professor at Johns Hopkins University specializing in pediatric hypertension, shared her cautious optimism about wearable blood pressure monitors. “Ideally, it would be great to have blood pressure data for a growing number of people,” she said. “But for the time being, they’re too approximate to use reliably.” As a member of a committee on blood pressure monitors, Brady is working with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to establish guidelines for cuffless devices.“we hope that once ISO standards for cuffless blood pressure are set, it will help manufacturers and the FDA to rigorously test their reliability,” she explained.
As wearable technology continues to advance, the potential to revolutionize personal health monitoring is undeniable.Though, the industry must address concerns around data accuracy, regulatory oversight, and standardization to fully earn the trust of both consumers and medical professionals. For now,these devices offer a glimpse into a future where health tracking is seamless,accessible,and deeply integrated into our daily lives.
What are some exciting developments DexCom is working on?
Interview with Dr.Elena Martinez, Chief Medical officer at DexCom, on the Future of Wearable Technology
archyde News: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martinez. Wearable technology has come a long way in recent years, and DexCom’s Stelo patch has been making waves at CES. Can you tell us more about Stelo and how it differs from traditional glucose monitors?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me. Stelo represents a significant leap forward in glucose monitoring technology. Unlike traditional glucose monitors, which are primarily designed for individuals with diabetes, Stelo is a non-prescription wearable patch that provides continuous glucose monitoring for anyone interested in understanding their metabolic health. It’s designed to be accessible, user-amiable, and non-invasive, making it a game-changer for both healthcare professionals and consumers.
Archyde News: That’s engaging. Why do you think there’s such a growing interest in glucose monitoring among the general population?
Dr. Martinez: There’s a growing awareness of how glucose levels impact overall health, not just for people with diabetes but for everyone. Glucose spikes and dips can affect energy levels, mood, and even long-term health outcomes like cardiovascular health. By providing real-time insights, Stelo empowers users to make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and lifestyle. It’s about prevention and optimization,not just management.
Archyde News: Speaking of innovation, MindMics also showcased groundbreaking technology at CES.Their device uses headphones to monitor cardiac activity with remarkable precision. What are your thoughts on this kind of innovation in the wearable tech space?
Dr. Martinez: MindMics’ technology is truly impressive. The ability to monitor cardiac activity with such precision using something as simple as headphones is a testament to how far wearable tech has come. It’s exciting to see companies pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, especially when it comes to non-invasive diagnostics. This kind of innovation has the potential to democratize access to advanced healthcare, making it easier for people to detect and manage conditions early.
Archyde News: With so many advancements, how do you address concerns about the reliability of these devices, especially when it comes to health monitoring?
Dr. Martinez: Reliability is a critical issue, and it’s one we take very seriously at DexCom. Our devices undergo rigorous clinical testing to ensure accuracy and safety. For example,Stelo has been tested in diverse populations to validate its performance across different demographics and lifestyles. Clarity is key—we provide users with clear information about what our devices can and cannot do. It’s also important for the industry as a whole to collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure these technologies meet clinical standards.
Archyde News: The wearable tech market is projected to surpass $100 billion by the end of the decade. What do you think will drive this growth, and what challenges do you foresee?
Dr. martinez: The growth will be driven by increasing consumer demand for personalized health insights and the integration of wearable tech into everyday life. As these devices become more complex,they’ll play a bigger role in preventive healthcare,chronic disease management,and even remote patient monitoring. However, challenges remain, especially around data privacy, regulatory compliance, and ensuring equitable access.We need to work together as an industry to address these issues responsibly.
Archyde News: what’s next for DexCom? Are there any exciting developments on the horizon?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely. We’re constantly exploring new ways to enhance our technology and expand its applications. one area we’re particularly excited about is integrating artificial intelligence to provide even more personalized insights and predictive analytics.We’re also looking at partnerships with other health tech companies to create a more holistic ecosystem of wearable devices.The future is bright, and we’re just getting started.
Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights. it’s clear that wearable technology is transforming healthcare, and we’re excited to see what’s next.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you.It’s an exciting time to be in this field, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey.
