Beyond Glucose: AI, Wearable Technology and the Future of Personalised Diabetes Care
ATTD-ASIA 2026 | Expert Interviews
Dr. Elaine Chow
Clinical Associate Professor Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, CUHK, China
How will AI, multi-analyte sensing and wearable technologies transform diabetes care? In this ATTD Asia expert interview, Dr. Chow shares insights into emerging innovations, persistent gaps in access to diabetes technology and the importance of combining advanced digital tools with personalized, patient-centred care.
What first drew you to diabetes technology and innovation in care, and what has kept you passionate about this field?
I started by researching the cardiovascular effects of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes during my PhD nearly ten years ago. At the time, it was difficult to study spontaneous hypoglycemia, which is episodic and frequently asymptomatic.
Continuous glucose monitoring was still relatively new, and we investigated the effects of clinical hypoglycemia using simultaneous ambulatory 12-lead ECG and glucose monitoring. We uncovered very interesting changes in cardiac repolarization and arrhythmias, particularly during nocturnal episodes in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
I continue to be passionate about this area because of the ability of wearable technologies to generate valuable insights under free-living conditions.
Diabetes technology is evolving at an extraordinary pace. Which developments do you believe have the greatest potential to make a meaningful difference to people living with diabetes?
There are numerous areas, but for me, the most exciting developments are in multi-analyte sensing and artificial intelligence (AI).
We have moved beyond glucose sensing alone to explore the potential of integrating other physiological signals, from biochemical markers such as ketones, lactate, potassium and cortisol to heart rate, nutrition and sleep.
Dual ketone and glucose sensors may help mitigate the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). AI has the potential to generate real-time, actionable insights based on the wealth of wearable data, but we need prospective trials and human oversight, with continuous vigilance to ensure responsible use.
Where do you see the biggest gaps between the latest evidence and innovations in diabetes care and what is currently happening in everyday clinical practice?
Sadly, I still see a huge gap in access to diabetes technologies for the people who need them most.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and/or automated insulin delivery (AID) should be standard of care for people living with type 1 diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy and people with intensively insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.
There is still a perception that self-monitoring and self-management education are somewhat lower priorities compared with the provision of medications.
I continue to work with local and international communities, NGOs and people living with diabetes to change these views and generate the clinical evidence needed to inform payers and policymakers.
How can education and initiatives such as the ATTD Education Portal and Congress help clinicians translate new evidence and technologies into their day-to-day practice?
The ATTD Education Portal is a fantastic resource for summarising the latest evidence in diabetes technology. You can visit or revisit highlights of ATTD conferences through the portal.
I really enjoy the podcasts, which provide insightful overviews of topical issues such as weekly insulins and diabetes technology in older adults. The Journal Club offers timely updates on hot topics and new publications.
I encourage my fellows and diabetes educators to attend ATTD meetings as a fantastic way to meet people who share common interests and gain hands-on experience in diabetes technology.
Looking ahead, what development or change in diabetes care are you most excited about, and why?
I think the way we engage with people with diabetes will change in the future because of technology.
Conversations will no longer be confined to the traditional clinic setting, where we typically review an HbA1c result and adjust treatment. Instead, we will be looking at day-to-day multidimensional data and offering continuous support and advice, both virtually and in person.
Prioritising “time in happiness” and what matters most to the person at a particular moment is far more likely to lead to positive behavioral change.
I don’t think AI is overtaking humans just yet, but the pressing question is how we can best practice a “high tech, soft touch” approach in this rapidly evolving field within our available resources.
Continue Learning with Dr. Elaine Chow
AI & CGM: The New Era of Individualized Diabetes Management
Discover how artificial intelligence and continuous glucose monitoring are shaping more personalized diabetes care. This expert-led e-learning course explores practical applications of AI in glucose forecasting, insulin dosing and personalized nutrition, alongside important ethical considerations.
Earn 1 CME/CPD Credit | Free Online Course
Available on the ATTD Education Portal.
Explore More Diabetes Education
Discover more expert perspectives, conference highlights, CME-accredited learning activities, podcasts and webinars on the ATTD Education Portal.