Biosensors are rapidly becoming part of our everyday life. As technology advances, we may soon be able to monitor many aspects of our health at home, in real time, and without needles. Traditionally used in medical practice to monitor patient status, biosensors have recently started to be broadly marketed for wellness and fitness applications. These devices are able to detect a specific molecule that is linked to a health condition, offering an actionable insight into what’s happening in our bodies.
The fastest-growing segment of the biosensor market is home monitoring kits, such as glucose monitors used by diabetics. Medical tech companies are working to develop smaller, cheaper, and easier to use biosensor devices that anyone could use at home. Self-monitoring with biosensors has the potential to impact the care of virtually any chronic disease, by shifting from a monthly appointment at the hospital to daily monitoring at home. This can help anticipate symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease.
Home monitoring could also make a big impact in ensuring people comply with the treatments prescribed by their doctor. Studies have consistently shown that approximately 50% of people do not take medications for chronic diseases as prescribed, which can cause severe complications and even death in the long term.