Over the past decade, patient care has seen a paradigm shift, with advancements in medical wearables turning out to be a powerful catalyst in the management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
These gadgets are no longer merely lifestyle accessories but are increasingly becoming essential tools that empower individuals to monitor their health in real-time and take a more proactive approach to their healthcare management.
Healthcare professionals say this tech has helped elevate people’s awareness about risk factors of lifestyle diseases like heart disease and diabetes and has changed their focus from reactive healthcare approaches to more proactive and preventive care.
“I had a patient in her early 40s sometime ago, who started using an Apple Watch and noticed an unusual heart rate,” says Nagesh Waghmare, a cardiologist from Mumbai, adding that though the patient was asymptomatic, blood tests revealed that she was pre-diabetic and had high lipid levels. “She improved her diet and focused on other lifestyle changes including exercise. Now, all her parameters are normal. There are many examples like hers where we have managed prevention of the disease,” Dr. Waghmare says.
A seismic shift post pandemic
Medical wearables such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and biosensors, are electronic devices designed to be worn on the body to monitor and manage various health parameters: blood sugar levels, heart rate, physical activity, sleep patterns and even blood oxygen levels.
Whether a fitness enthusiast uses a smartwatch to track her daily activity or a diabetic patient utilises a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to check blood glucose levels, these devices promise real-time data and valuable insights to help both patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions.
While CGMs are predominantly used for diabetes management, other medical wearables are making waves in cardiac and respiratory health. Rahul Baxi, a diabetologist in Mumbai, notes that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval to the Apple Watch to detect atrial fibrillation, a serious heart condition. “There have been numerous instances where the Apple Watch has alerted individuals about irregular heart rates, allowing for early intervention and the prevention of life-threatening complications,” he says.
Wearables have also played a vital role in monitoring respiratory health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Devices that track respiratory rates, oxygen saturation and pulse rates have become essential tools for patients with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for the adoption of wearable medical devices. “There is a clear distinction pre- and post COVID-19. After the pandemic, the wearable medical market has exploded. People are now more aware of the importance of monitoring their vitals,” Dr. Waghmare explains.
During the pandemic, devices such as pulse oximeters became household essentials and the trend has only accelerated since then. “Today, people in their 40s and 50s are increasingly using Fitbits, Apple Watches, and other devices to monitor their heart rate and blood pressure, helping them stay more informed about their health,” he adds.
Empowering patients with real-time data
The visual feedback that devices offer often serves as a wake-up call, encouraging healthier lifestyle choices, say healthcare experts.
“CGMs have helped patients see how their sugar spikes after eating certain foods, and it motivates them to make changes,” says Dr. Baxi. For instance, a patient might notice that their sugar levels rise more after eating idli compared to sprouts, prompting them to choose healthier alternatives. “This real-time data makes a far greater impact than just telling someone to avoid certain foods,” he adds. “It empowers them to take control of their health. We are seeing patients who are tracking their sleep quality, physical activity, and stress levels and are taking proactive steps towards maintaining long-term health.”
This constant data flow is crucial for early detection of health issues. For instance, patients with cardiovascular conditions can receive immediate alerts if irregular heart rhythms are detected, allowing for timely interventions before complications arise.
“Wearables have shifted the focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, enabling individuals to monitor their health continuously and seek medical attention before major issues arise,” says Rushikesh Patil, a cardiologist in Mumbai.
Better patient-doctor interaction
Medical wearables are also enhancing the interaction between patients and doctors, particularly in the realm of tele-health. By integrating data from wearables, tele-health platforms provide healthcare providers with a comprehensive view of a patient’s health, before consultations. This allows for more accurate diagnoses and the development of personalised treatment plans.
Remote patient monitoring has been significantly improved by wearable devices such as CGMs, which allow healthcare providers to monitor patients from afar and make real-time adjustments to treatment plans.
Dr. Baxi, for instance, has used CGMs to track his patients’ blood sugar levels remotely. “With CGMs, I can monitor my patient’s condition from anywhere in the world and make real-time adjustments to their insulin dosage,” he says. This level of monitoring was not possible before the advent of wearables, making healthcare more accessible and convenient for the patient.
Dr. Waghmare says wearables have improved compliance rate to treatment as, traditionally, patients would return for a check-up every few months, leaving long gaps between consultations. “Previously, we relied on infrequent visits to adjust medication dosages based on blood pressure and heart rate. But now, with wearables, we can monitor these vitals continuously and adjust treatment plans much more effectively,” he says.
This real-time data helps doctors optimise medication dosages, ensuring patients receive the best care for their recovery and for the improvement of their long-term survival. “We can confidently adjust the dose of medicines based on real-time heart rate or blood pressure data, which was not possible before these devices,” he notes.
The future of health monitoring
The future of medical wearable technology looks even more promising, with researchers developing innovative health-monitoring tools that will seamlessly integrate into daily life. Smart textiles, for example, are being developed to embed sensors directly into clothing. These smart fabrics could track heart rates, respiratory rates, and even glucose levels, offering non-invasive health monitoring in real time.
Non-invasive glucose monitoring is another exciting area of research. Scientists are exploring methods to measure glucose levels through biofluids such as sweat, saliva, or tears, potentially eliminating the need for devices that puncture the skin. As these technologies continue to evolve, wearable devices will become even more integrated into everyday life, offering seamless and non-invasive health monitoring for all users.
Affordability, a concern
Despite the numerous benefits of medical wearables, affordability remains a significant barrier, especially in countries like India. Devices like CGMs can be expensive, with the cost of sensors adding up over time. Gaurish Kenkre, general manager and physiotherapist, Atharv Ability, Mumbai, acknowledges that only a small percentage of his patients can afford CGMs and other medical wearables, primarily due to their high costs.
“In India, a CGM sensor costs around ₹5,000 for two weeks, which means patients spend roughly ₹10,000 a month. That is not affordable for everyone,” Dr. Baxi acknowledges.
However, he emphasises that even short-term use of these medical wearables can provide valuable insights. “For example, even using a CGM for a few weeks can help patients understand how their diet, exercise, and medications affect their blood sugar levels,” he says. This information can then be used to make long-term lifestyle changes, improving overall health outcomes.
Dr. Patil says there is also another issue to consider: there are many false positives and false negatives. “Individuals should not panic due to the results: they must consult their doctor,” he says.
As technology continues to evolve, medical wearables are set to play an increasingly vital role in healthcare, not just for diabetes management but across various medical fields.
(Somita Pal is a journalist with nearly two decades of experience covering healthcare in Mumbai. She covers a range of topics, focusing on health, social issues and civic news.)
Published – February 27, 2025 10:30 am IST