Wearable devices have to be the most amazing inventions of this century. From tracking distance to tracking sleep, it can do it all. A study conducted last year by Stanford University shows that soon enough wearable biosensors will be able to reveal useful health related data. That means wearables have the potential to tell us about when we are getting sick. Especially about ailments such as the common cold.
During the study, eight fitness trackers were attached to 60 individuals to collect their biometrics like heart rate, weight, skin temperature, sleep, fitness, oxygen levels etc. Using this data, the scientists developed an algorithm to predict when a person is about to fall ill. They figured that small deviations in measurements; like elevated heart rate and changes in skin temperature are good markers for deteriorating health.
The study author Michael Snyder predicted that he was getting sick after analyzing his own data and to confirm it he went to a doctor. He ended up getting diagnosed with Lyme’s disease.
According to Snyder, “Continuous tracking of your vital signs is more informative than having a doctor measure them once a year and comparing them with population averages, Snyder adds. “Heart rate, for example, varies a lot so population averages don’t tell you much I’m predicting that your smartwatch will be able to alert you before you get sick, or confirm that you’re sick if you’re feeling a bit off.”
The study has also found that wearables can tell the difference between insulin sensitive and insulin resistant diabetes. This presents a wonderful opportunity to be able to help detect the risk for type 2 diabetes. Overall the results from this study were positive. Early detection of any disease is crucial to treatment and controlling management options.
This will be a very easy transition considering that wearables are already excelling at fitness tracking. It will be logical to have them play a crucial role in managing our health.
