With the rise in computing technology, the development of smart wearables has grown significantly, allowing users to track and monitor various health and fitness metrics. In addition to the development of hardware, the rise of computing technology has also led to the development of sophisticated software and algorithms that can analyse the data collected by smart wearables.

Examples include fitness trackers, smart watches, and smart clothing which come in a variety of functions and form factors. In this article, we look at a selection of smart wearables that could aid us in our health monitoring needs.

Monitor your blood glucose level through a wearable diabetes glucometer

A glucometer, also known as a glucose meter, is a device that measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in a person’s blood. People with diabetes can opt to use glucometers to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels, which helps them manage their condition and prevent complications. Some glucometers can also store multiple glucose readings, and some can connect to a smartphone and share the data with the patient’s doctor. Such wearables may also be beneficial to people with pre-diabetes conditions who might be anxious to live a healthier lifestyle, including better food choices.

Generally, wearable diabetes glucometers are waterproof, small and painless (no more finger pricking) to use. All the user needs to do is attach the coin-sized sensor to the back of her upper arm and a painless one-second scan is all the user needs to get the glucose reading. What’s more, the device allows users to see eight hours of data and a trend arrow that shows the user where her glucose level is heading. The sensor-based glucose monitoring system can be worn for up to 14 days, allowing the user a fuss-free experience for a better quality of life.

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Measure your blood sugar level via sweat

A PhD student (Safoora Khosravi, UBC’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) recently developed an advanced wearable glucose sensor that can measure blood sugar levels using sweat instead of blood. This non-invasive technology can be embedded in activewear and other apparel, much to the delight of patients worldwide who would otherwise go through the painful ordeal of pricking their own fingers multiple times a day to monitor their health. Having the potential to be easily integrated into everyday clothing at an industrial scale, the wearable glucose sensor has the potential to be mass-produced at a much cheaper price point.

While smart wearables have the potential to improve health monitoring and promote healthier lifestyles, it is important to note that the data they collect should be used in conjunction with professional medical advice.