Sweat Monitoring Evolves Wearable Health Trackers
Published 05 December 2024
2 min read
The global revenue for smartwatches and bands is projected to reach $51.6bn by 2029, up from $32.24bn in 2023 (Statista, 2024). As the market expands, expect to see devices incorporate emerging tech, like sweat monitoring. Sweat tracking tools could simplify monitoring hormone and glucose levels and assist with diagnosing conditions like diabetes, gout, kidney and heart disease.
- Health Monitoring Made Easy: Given its high quantity of electrolytes, metabolites, nutrients and hormones, sweat can provide a detailed health snapshot. Wearable optical sensors (which use light to gather biometric data) can now be used to detect chemicals in sweat. These sensors convert information into electronic signals, which are transmitted to wearables or smartphones and displayed to users.
Sweat-measuring wearables could make detailed monitoring of hormones and glucose levels (which currently need to be measured using a blood sample) effortless and continuous, as wearables can be designed for comfort – such as plasters, watches or rings. Those with diseases like diabetes could particularly benefit from these developments, as sweat glucose monitoring could offer a less invasive way of tracking glucose levels. - Perspiration-Centred Products in Development: Several tech companies are working on wearables with sweat monitoring. Tech giant Apple has filed for a patent on a line of smartwatches that track users’ perspiration levels. Washington State University developed a 3D-printed plaster that monitors glucose, lactate, uric acid and the rate of perspiration during exercise. And the University of California San Diego has created an ‘electronic finger wrap’ that can measure glucose, vitamin and drug levels in sweat.
- Sweat Tech’s Wider Potential: While tech brands and researchers are still developing commercially viable wearables with perspiration monitors, the potential of the technology is wide. Beyond wearables like smartwatches and rings, sweat tracking tech could also be integrated into textiles and clothing, posing possibilities for active and athleisure fashion labels to design health-monitoring workout gear.
Washington State University
University of California San Diego
 Washington State University |  University of California San Diego |