.png)
In the ever-evolving landscape of health technology, theApple Watch and HealthFeatures have emerged as powerful allies in providing new facets of care for patients with chronic conditions, especially diabetes.
One of the key features of the Apple Watch that proves invaluable insight for those with diabetes is its monitoring capabilities. Blood glucose monitoring is a cornerstone for diabetes management and is recognised as one of the seven self-care gems in diabetes self-management. Blood glucose monitoring is a highly empowering process for a patient that facilitates self-management, encourages understanding of patterns& trends, and allows for more informed treatment decision-making in a doctor’s office. Through third party apps, glucose meters including continuous glucose monitoring is now possible to view through a complication on AppleWatch. It also provides an extra level of support by allowing your family members to view your glucose levels too!
Furthermore, the integration of health and fitness tracking features further enhances the Apple Watch's utility for diabetes management. The watch monitors physical activity levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns, providing users a holistic view of their well-being, and also allows us as physicians, to get objective data from the patients.
We all know the benefits of movement in the context of diabetes: decreased blood glucose levels, increased glucose uptake by cells, improved insulin sensitivity, increase in fatty acid oxidation, fat mobilization & lipolysis, along with the immeasurable mental health benefits. The Apple Heart and Movement study showed participants who exercised more than 30 minutes daily spent 78.8% of the day within a target blood glucose range of 70-180mg/dL, demonstrating the potential for the Activity App to be a powerful motivator in instilling positive movement behaviours.
Beyond the built-in features of the Apple Watch, integrating with apps like Beyond Type 1 provides an extra dimension of care to create a comprehensive ecosystem for diabetes care through personalised insights and support. This integration goes beyond mere monitoring, but fosters a sense of community and empowerment, promotes inclusivity, and dispels misconceptions for individuals dealing with the daily challenges of diabetes.
As physicians, we know too well that the provision of comprehensive diabetes-self management education is suboptimal, despite knowing the marked benefits of it.This gap underscores the need for prioritising and investing in diabetes education to improve health outcomes. If there’s one thing I’d like to change in the scope of diabetes care, it is early detection, education, awareness and accountability!
Having said that, diabetes, healthcare and lifestyle is more than just numbers on a watch or on a phone. Whilst these health statistics and technology can add great value to our care and be a positive motivator, it’s crucial to enjoy the positive behaviour changes; whether that’s finding joy in movement or recognising that today may not be a day you feel like moving!
Cultivating self-compassion is equally as vital as you navigate through the complexities of your health journey. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare professional, ensuring that you receive accurate interpretations of your health data, and tailored recommendations for your diabetes management plan is vital. With the synergy of self-awareness, self-compassion, and professional medical guidance, you can navigate your health journey with resilience and proactiveness.
Dr. AartiJaveri-Mehta
Bsc (UK),MBBS, MRCP(UK), SCE (Endocrinology & Diabetes)
SpecialistInternal Medicine
BoardCertified Lifestyle Medicine Physician
.png)
