We have all heard and read about the global epidemic of diabetes. The main way diabetics monitor their blood glucose level is with blood test meters. For some, pricking their finger can be squeamish or unpleasant. However, there may be hope on the horizon. Today I saw an article that Google X is building a "smart contact lens." Its purpose is meant to help diabetics keep track of their glucose levels. Inside the lens is a miniaturized wireless chip and glucose monitor that will measure the glucose levels of the wearer's tears. Granted, there is still work to be done in seeing this come to market but it begs the question: how many other ways can innovative technology help us when it comes to our health?
While innovation and technology will continue to be at the forefront for the next generation of devices and medicine, it's also apparent that it's quickly changing the way that consumers educate themselves. Consumers are newly empowered and their habits are shifting. Now, more than ever, companies need to approach understanding consumer behavior using innovative techniques in order to home in on the actionable insights needed to put them at the forefront.
