HHS Launches Campaign to Promote Wearable Devices, DexCom Sees Strong US Sales

US Health Secretary Kennedy plans to launch a campaign to promote the use of wearable devices for health monitoring. DexCom, a company specializing in continuous glucose monitoring systems for people with diabetes, reports that the US accounts for 71.7% of its net sales. The campaign aims to encourage the use of wearable devices to improve public health.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced plans to launch a nationwide campaign to promote the use of wearable devices for health monitoring. The initiative, aimed at improving public health, is part of Kennedy's broader Make America Healthy Again agenda, which focuses on combating the rise of chronic diseases. The campaign, slated to be one of the largest advertising efforts in the history of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is set to commence within the next four years.

Kennedy envisions wearable devices, including smartwatches and fitness trackers, as key tools for empowering individuals to take control of their health. These devices can monitor various health metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, providing users with real-time data to make informed decisions about their diet, physical activity, and overall lifestyle. The secretary cited examples of friends who have transformed their lives using glucose monitors, highlighting the potential for significant health improvements.

However, the campaign has sparked ethical concerns regarding the privacy and security of personal health data. Critics have raised alarms about the potential for data breaches and identity theft, as well as the possibility of health information being sold to companies, advertisers, or researchers without an individual's knowledge or consent. Additionally, there is a mix of views among medical professionals regarding the benefits and drawbacks of wearable technology, with some seeing it as a means of empowerment and others expressing concerns about medical anxiety and self-diagnosis.

In parallel with the wearable device campaign, Kennedy has underscored the Department of Health and Human Services' commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations. He highlighted the use of AI in diagnostics, paperwork, fraud detection, and drug reviews, positioning it as a key tool for enhancing efficiency and accuracy in healthcare.

Meanwhile, Dexcom, a leading provider of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people with diabetes, has been expanding its capabilities and partnerships. The company recently announced a partnership with Oura, a wearable device that tracks sleep and stress, to provide users with a more comprehensive view of their health. This collaboration aims to enhance the readiness score generated by the Oura Ring by incorporating glucose data, thereby offering users personalized insights to manage their metabolic health.

Dexcom's efforts to integrate AI into its CGM technology have also been notable. The company has developed a photo meal logging feature that utilizes AI to detect and describe food items. This technology, enabled by Google's Vertex AI, has shown promise in enhancing user engagement and providing personalized insights. Looking ahead, Dexcom aims to leverage its AI capabilities to recommend food, suggest portion sizes, and assist with insulin dosing or other medications.

The campaign by Secretary Kennedy and Dexcom's advancements in CGM technology reflect a broader trend in the healthcare sector, where wearable devices and AI are increasingly being leveraged to improve health outcomes and empower patients. As these technologies continue to evolve, their impact on public health and the healthcare industry remains a topic of significant interest and debate.

References:
[1] https://www.politico.com/newsletters/future-pulse/2025/06/24/rfk-jr-wants-a-wearable-on-your-wrist-00419190
[2] https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/dexcom-advances-ai-cgm-type-2/