Apple Watch Health Kit: Prevention Game Changer?

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The long-anticipated Apple Watch will release on April 24, 2015. This latest innovation has everyone in the health industry talking. Here's a breakdown of the Apple Watch Health Kit.

apple watch health kit

Apple Watch Health Kit

Health and fitness tracker

  • Tracks glucose levels for diabetes (see next topic)
  • Tracks how much you move, sit, and stand throughout the day
  • At the start of the week, the watch gives you a movement goal based on your activity level during the previous week
  • Records mileage during workouts such as outdoor runs and bike ride

Track Glucose Levels for Diabetes

The goal is to help diabetics easily and quickly read their glucose, or blood sugar, levels by simply glancing at the app. The continuous tracking of glucose levels is vital for diabetics, especially those with type 1 diabetes. The advantage is being able to see the data on your watch without having to check either your iPhone or DexCom's remote handheld device

  • A graph will display current levels
  • DexCom's glucose monitor will take the form of a body sensor that you wear around your abdomen
    • Body sensor measures your glucose levels every 5 minutes and sends the data to a remote handheld device within 20 feet
  • Device then communicates with the iPhone, which then sends the data to be displayed on the Apple Watch
apple watch health kit to track diabetes and daily activity

Wearable Tech Regulations

With wearable tech emerging, one of the challenges is that certain health devices and apps require regulatory approval. Previously, the FDA considered glucose-related software to be Class III, meaning they required the highest level of regulatory approvalFDA has since revised its guidelines. DexCom's monitors will remain Class III devices since they connect directly to a person's body. Such a change in the regulations benefits both Apple and third-party developers as more health-related apps can be created for the Apple Watch without requiring strict regulatory approval

Wearable Tech May Unlock Key to Prevention

Apple Watch and other sophisticated wearable technology may be the key tool people need to keep track of their health and focus on preventing major diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It will be interesting to observe people's daily health habits as this tool becomes available to everyone.