Recent advancements in wearable technology have led to increased interest in its role in urban diabetes management. The analysis utilizes a qualitative approach, examining interviews with healthcare providers and case studies from selected urban health centers in Johannesburg. Wearable device usage was found to be predominantly integrated in the form of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, with a significant proportion (70%) of patients reporting improved glycemic control compared to traditional methods. The integration of wearable devices into urban healthcare systems has shown promise in enhancing diabetes management outcomes. However, further research is needed to address privacy concerns and ensure equitable access to these technologies. Health centers should prioritise training for staff on the use and interpretation of CGM data, while policymakers must consider implementing regulatory frameworks that support the adoption of wearable devices as part of routine care.
Khumalo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.