Huawei has unveiled a new smartwatch feature designed to help users assess their potential risk of developing diabetes, a condition that continues to rise globally and across the Middle East.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, hundreds of millions of adults worldwide are living with diabetes, with a significant portion undiagnosed. In the UAE, prevalence rates are among the highest globally, increasing the need for early risk awareness.

How It Works

The feature is powered by Photoplethysmography (PPG), a non-invasive optical technology that measures changes in blood flow through the skin. By analyzing cardiovascular signals captured at the wrist over a period of three to 14 days, the system evaluates patterns linked to metabolic health.

After the monitoring period, users receive a result categorized as low, medium, or high risk. Those flagged as medium or high risk are advised to seek medical consultation for confirmatory testing.

A Preventive Tool, Not a Diagnosis

Huawei emphasizes that the feature is not intended to diagnose diabetes or replace clinical testing. Instead, it is positioned as a preventive health tool aimed at increasing awareness and encouraging early medical engagement.

The function is currently available on the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro via a software update and may expand to additional models in the future.

As wearable health technology evolves, such features are increasingly seen as complementary tools to traditional healthcare, particularly in regions facing rising chronic disease rates.