Hawk-eyed fans spot Katrina Kaif wearing fitness patch on the arm as she steps out for Navratri celebrations; we find out what it is

Dr Shrey Srivastav, MD (Internal Medicine), Sharda Hospital, Noida told indianexpress.com that such patches are primarily designed for individuals with diabetes, but they can also be utilised by anyone interested in tracking their fitness levels. The fitness patch helps track glucose levels for health optimisation. “Before use, it is advisable to consult doctors and healthcare providers, particularly if the user does not have diabetes, as interpreting the glucose data without proper context could lead to unnecessary concerns or mismanagement,” said Dr Srivastav.

What are the functions of a patch?

*Real-time glycemic monitoring: These patches continuously monitor glucose concentrations in the interstitial fluid, providing data around the clock on glucose dynamics.

Data can be accessed on the phone (Source: Freepik)

*Hypo/hyperglycemia alerts: The app can alert users about potentially dangerous episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).
*Glycemic variability insights: The app offer data on glycemic variability, helping users manage fluctuations in blood glucose and understand patterns influenced by food intake, physical activity, or medications.
*Data integration: Many patches allow data sharing with healthcare providers, caregivers, or integrated health apps for advanced glycemic management.

Key considerations

Calibration requirements: Some patches systems may require periodic calibration using a capillary blood glucose test.
Dermatologic reactions: Dr Srivastav noted that some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis from the adhesive used to keep the sensor in place.

Measurement lag: Some patches measure glucose in the interstitial fluid, which may lag behind blood glucose levels, particularly during periods of rapid change in glycemia, such as after meals or exercise, said Dr Srivastav.
Lifestyle compatibility: it’s important to ensure the device suits your lifestyle, especially for activities like swimming, sports, or heavy sweating. “Disposable sensors should be replaced every 7 to 14 days,” said Dr Srivastav.

“Such patches offer significant advantages in managing glycemic control. They can provide valuable health insights for athletes, individuals with prediabetes, or those interested in optimising metabolic health,” said Dr Srivastav.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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