The last few years have seen huge advancements in AI technology and AI integration into medical devices and consumer wearables. The year 2024 promises more of the same with impressive innovations in the diabetes care, wearable tech, and consumer health device spaces.
Here we take a look at some of the most highly anticipated healthcare sensor and connected tech expected to drop in 2024, including Dexcom’s Stelo CGM, three impressive smart rings, and Withing’s multi-purpose smart thermometer.
Diabetes Care Technology Coming In 2024
The diabetes care space continues to see advancements in CGM and pump technology. The theme of this year seems to be ‘smaller is better.’
Case in point, Tandem’s newest insulin pump. The Tandem Mobi is the smallest insulin pump yet, coming in at about half the size of their T:Slim X2. This little pump is so small that it can fit in the coin pocket of most jeans. Or, if you prefer, be worn directly on the body with the included adhesive sleeve.
Starting in 2024, the Mobi will be fully compatible with Freestyle Libre 2 Plus and Dexcom G6 and G7 CGMs. Like the T:Slim X2, the system features Control IQ technology for automated insulin dosing. Control of this tiny system is achieved through the connected smartphone app. The Mobi is currently available on limited release with a full commercial release expected in early 2024.
Also going smaller is Medtronic. Their new MiniMed 780g system with Simplera Sync features an updated pump and a much smaller CGM. The 780g hit the market last year, with 770g users able to get the new system via a free remote software upgrade. When set in auto mode, the advanced AID system on the 780g provides autocorrections for missed boluses using its patented Meal Detection technology.
This year will see the addition of the new Simplera Sync CGM to this upgraded system. Much like Dexcom’s G7, which was released last year, this CGM is fully disposable and much smaller than Medtronic’s Guardian sensors. The new CGM has received CE approval and will see a limited release in Europe this spring followed by a full commercial release planned for summer. The system has yet to receive FDA approval and no US launch date has been announced.
There is also some exciting news coming in 2024 for the type 2 diabetes world. Dexcom plans to launch its new Stelo CGM this summer. Unlike previous CGMs from this company (and most others) this device was created for people living with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin.
Rather than focusing on high and low blood sugar alarms, this system is built to provide insight into daily trends. The hope is this will empower non-insulin-dependent diabetics to make choices in their diet and exercise routine that result in better blood sugar control. Since CGMs are rarely covered by insurance for patients who are not on insulin, this 15-day wear CGM will be priced affordably with a cash-buy option. Stelo is expected to launch in the US this summer.
For too long, the diabetic community has been waiting for a noninvasive, FDA-approved blood glucose monitoring option. We expected this from Apple years ago, but the first to accomplish this lofty goal might just be a lesser-known name. Umeox, out of Shenzhen, showcased their new glucose monitoring Xring at CES earlier this month.
In addition to heart rate, sleep patterns, and blood oxygen levels, this compact, wearable ring also painlessly monitors blood sugar. Through a combination of PPG sensors and AI algorithms, the Xring continuously tracks BG levels and reports them on the connected app. There is no word at this time about FDA approval or a release date, but this may very well be the first noninvasive, medical-use CGM to hit the market.
Wearables Set to Launch This Year
Consumer fitness wearables continue to be a thriving market, with many great new products expected to launch this year.
One small upgrade worth mentioning is the new Garmin Lily 2 women’s fitness watch. Like the classic Lily, this stylish yet highly capable watch features a multitude of sensors to measure heart rate, respiration rate, pulse ox, hydration, and more. It will even alert you to abnormal heart rate patterns. While the bulk of the updates on this new generation of Lily is in the style category, it does feature upgraded pulse sensors for more accurate readings.
Just as we’re seeing in the diabetes space, miniaturization is a big theme in the wearables market this year. Instead of sensor-enabled watches, most releases are in the smart ring category.
In January of 2024, Movano Health is launching its Evie Ring. This smart ring, made especially for people who menstruate, uses multiple sensors to track vitals, sleep quality, activity, and menstrual cycles. Combining these metrics allows the connected app to help users determine fertility windows, changes in hormones, and potential fertility issues more accurately.
Another smart ring to be on the lookout for this year is the Amazfit Helio Ring. This titanium ring tracks multiple biometric signals to help you get the most from your workouts. It works with Amazfit’s AI-powered fitness app to fill the role of personal trainer and “sports scientist.” For those looking to shatter their 2024 New Year’s workout resolutions, look for this ring to hit shelves in the spring.
New At-Home Health Devices for 2024
Sensor technology and connected devices are also taking center stage in this year’s consumer health gadget space.
Withings BeamO uses four advanced sensors and an innovative connected smartphone app to help users track important vital stats right from home. In addition to a contactless thermometer, the small, handheld device also contains a 1-lead electrocardiogram, a miniaturized oximeter, and a digital stethoscope. The device can be used to detect cardiovascular and respiratory issues and report them to your doctor through the connected platform. The BeamO is set to launch this summer but is still awaiting FDA clearance.
Another company looking to deliver in-home tech for a healthier 2024 is Ultrahuman. This consumer device company is no stranger to innovative products meant to help people live healthier lives. They were one of the first to launch a multi-sensor vitals tracking ring with blood glucose monitoring technology. This year, they are launching their whole-home environmental monitor, Ultrahuman Home.
This compact cube utilizes multiple sensors to detect things like light, smoke, pollution, noise, and humidity. The data is sent to the company’s existing app where it can be integrated with data from their wearable ring to provide health insights, or used alone to assess the healthiness of your home. The product is set to start shipping preordered products starting in July.
Humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from this year’s innovative sensors. With Invoxia’s Minitailz Smart Pet Tracker, you can remotely monitor your dog or cat’s health using this clever on-collar device.
The Minitailz Smart Pet Tracker includes a variety of sensors that track everything from specific activities, like scratching and barking, to vitals, including heart and respiratory rate. And with a built-in GPS, you can even monitor your pet’s movements from afar. This pet health device has already launched and is available for order now.