Scopus Indexed Publications

Paper Details


Title
Managing Diabetes One Step at a Time in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The Promise of Wearable Devices

Author
Safayet Jamil, Masoud Mohammadnezhad,

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Abstract

The global burden of diabetes mellitus disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where limited healthcare infrastructure hampers timely and effective disease management. Wearable technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and fitness trackers, offer a transformative opportunity to bridge care gaps by enabling real-time monitoring, personalized feedback, and improved glycemic control. Evidence shows how wearables enhance patient engagement, support clinical decision-making, and reduce complications. However, significant barriers such as cost, digital illiteracy, poor system integration, and data privacy concerns impede widespread adoption in LMICs. Case studies from Ghana, China, and Ethiopia illustrate these devices' potential and challenges in resource-limited settings. Policy interventions, such as public-private partnerships, subsidies, simplified interfaces, and digital literacy programs, are essential to overcome these obstacles. Furthermore, integrating wearable data into national health systems and leveraging artificial intelligence can improve individualized care and long-term outcomes. As mobile phone use increases in LMICs, coupling wearables with mHealth platforms could further empower self-management. With targeted investments and regulatory support, wearable technologies can be pivotal in advancing equitable, proactive, and data-driven diabetes care across underserved populations.

Summary

  • Wearable technologies including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and fitness trackers offer transformative potential for diabetes management in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by enabling real-time monitoring, personalized feedback, and enhanced glycemic control, thereby empowering patients and supporting clinical decision-making.

  • Despite their benefits, adoption of wearables in LMICs faces critical barriers, such as cost, digital illiteracy, infrastructure deficits, and data privacy concerns, which can be addressed through targeted policy interventions, public-private partnerships, simplified interfaces, and integration with national health systems.


Keywords

Journal or Conference Name
Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine

Publication Year
2025

Indexing
scopus