Nudging you at the wrist to make healthier decisions
Upcoming digital health startup Livongo has announced it’s set to add support for the Apple Watch as well as Fitbit and Samsung wearables to encourage healthier habits.
The health tech newcomer has primarily focused on helping employees at companies like Microsoft and Amazon monitor chronic medical conditions like diabetes. Now it’s set to to offer smartwatch-friendly software giving users personalised “Health Nudges” via notifications to prompt better health decisions.
Essential reading: Wearables and glucose monitoring explained
These notification nudges might alert users to take a blood sugar reading before breakfast or even make nutrition suggestions for particular meals in the day. These nudges will not be generic responses either and are designed to target each user individually according to Livongo.
Users will also be able to participate in five-day challenges that are designed to instigate long-term changes in your health. Livongo can also collect data recorded by sensors packed into your wearable and offers the option to upload daily step counts to its app to help make the challenges and nudges even more personalised.
The startup has already rolled out an Alexa skill for Amazon’s Echo smart home devices enabling users to receive blood glucose readings and health tips. But as Apple, Samsung, Fitbit and others make bigger strides in the health space, we anticipate we’ll see more of these kinds of integrations between health tech companies and wearable makers.
Apple is already saving lives with the ECG tech it built into its Watch Series 4, while the likes of Fitbit, Samsung and Garmin have already added support for serious health apps like Cardiogram and One Drop’s diabetes management software. It’s safe to say wearables are no longer just for tracking your steps, runs and sleep time.
Source: CNBC