The FDA, US Food and Drug Administration, expresses reservations about the effectiveness of smart watches for monitoring blood glucose, highlighting the risk of erroneous diagnoses and poor medication management.
THE connected watcheslike the Apple Watch, are sometimes positioned as competitors of specialized medical equipment thanks to their advanced functionalities health monitoring. A recent study even showed that it would be more effective than certain dedicated medical devices in detecting heart problems. However, despite these promising advances, certain functionalities of these connected devices have been suspended due to legal disputes, highlighting the complexity of their integration in this area.
The recent FDA communication brings a new perspective on the use of wearable technologies in health monitoring. By warning against the use of connected watches and of smart rings to measure glucose levels. The agency notes important points on the reliability and safety of these innovations.
Connected watches: do not use their function that allows you to measure your glucose level
The FDA, the US Food and Drug Administration, warns users such as patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals against the risks associated with the use of connected watches or smart rings claiming measure glucose level without opening the skin. According to the agency, these devices were not authorized, validated or approved for such autonomous measurement. THE diabetes management mistakessuch as administering an incorrect dose of insulin or other hypoglycemic medications based on inaccurate measurements, can lead to serious consequences, including mental confusion, coma, or even death. death.
Faced with this situation, the FDA recommends not to acquire or use connected watches or smart rings claiming the ability to measure blood glucose levels. She also advises health professionals to discuss with their patients risks associated with these devices unauthorized and direct them to agency-authorized glucose monitoring devices, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. The organization continues to monitor the medical device market to prevent illegal marketing of these unapproved products and informs the public of these safety concerns.
For now, this FDA warning mainly concerns models marketed in China, such as the Huawei Watch GT4, which offer this glucose measurement functionality. It is therefore strongly recommended not to purchase these products online in the hope of using this option outside the Chinese market.
Source: FDA