Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, recently expressed his desire for all Americans to adopt wearable technology, such as smartwatches, as a means to take charge of their health. During a congressional hearing, he stated his vision that every American should don these devices within the next four years. This initiative aims to empower citizens to monitor their health more effectively.
Kennedy emphasized that the upcoming campaign by his department will be one of the largest in HHS history, specifically geared towards encouraging the use of wearable technology. While he acknowledges that wearables have their limitations, he shared anecdotes of friends who significantly improved their health by using glucose monitors, which helped them understand how their dietary choices influenced their blood sugar levels. Continuous glucose monitoring has been recognized as a powerful tool for motivating individuals with type 2 diabetes to make lifestyle changes, potentially reversing their condition.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes present different challenges. Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder leading to insufficient insulin production, whereas type 2 often involves the body’s inability to effectively use insulin. Both conditions have prompted tech companies like Apple and Samsung to explore non-invasive methods for monitoring blood sugar through smartwatches.
However, regulatory approval for such technologies has not yet been granted, though rumors suggest that Apple may introduce blood sugar monitoring in future models. In addition, Kennedy pointed out that investing in a smartwatch, with costs starting at approximately $80 a month, could be a more affordable and safer alternative to weight loss medications like Ozempic, which can exceed $1,000 monthly and come with numerous side effects. By adopting wearable devices, Kennedy believes Americans could take a proactive step toward better health management.