The era of biowearables may finally be upon us.
For years, doctors and inventors have been working on gadgets that can continuously collect crucial health data, such as blood glucose levels. Smartwatches have been able to track things like heartbeats for some time, but beyond that, biowearables have been relatively limited in their use and scope. Now, various products are close to hitting the market that could expand the use and functionality of biosensing tech.
In the near future, biowearables may inform our everyday choices. For example, diabetes rates have been on the rise in the U.S. Biowearables could help people monitor their blood sugar levels and warn them if they develop or are approaching pre-diabetes. Roughly one-third of Americans have pre-diabetes, and many will go on to develop full diabetes. They can issue early warnings and help people make choices to regulate their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
These devices use biosensors to collect important physiological data. Besides measuring sugar levels, biosensors will be able to track things like ketones, a chemical produced in the liver to break down fats. The biosensors can also integrate with mobile apps that provide users with coaching and nutritional advice throughout the day. Biosensors will also be able monitor hydration and warn users if they are dehydrated.
Many more applications will likely emerge in the years ahead. While biowearables have mostly been heavy future promise and light on current rewards, the industry looks set to take off. Given the ending popularity of simple biosensor devices like heartbeat trackers, biowearables could turn into the next hit market.
