In a strategic move addressing global healthcare challenges, Huawei has launched a novel diabetes risk assessment feature utilizing photoplethysmography (PPG) technology in its smartwatches. This innovation emerges against the backdrop of escalating diabetes prevalence, particularly acute in the Middle East where the International Diabetes Federation projects a 92% increase in cases by 2050.
The technology leverages advanced optical sensors to analyze blood-flow patterns through the skin, capturing cardiovascular signals that correlate with metabolic health indicators. Users wearing compatible devices for 3-14 days receive risk stratification (low, medium, or high) based on algorithmic analysis of PPG waveforms, which reflect vascular changes associated with diabetes pathophysiology.
Huawei emphasizes the tool’s preclinical positioning—it serves as a risk-awareness mechanism rather than a diagnostic medical device. The company has structured the feature around four pillars: awareness promotion, accessibility (offered free of charge), civilian application exclusivity, and safety assurance without contraindications.
Clinical validation comes through collaborations with experts like Professor Jiguang Wang of the Shanghai Institute of Hypertension, who endorsed PPG-based risk assessment at the World Health Expo Dubai 2026. Huawei’s Health Labs in China and Finland provide research support across cardiovascular health and exercise physiology domains.
The deployment strategy marks a departure from previous market approaches, with synchronized global launches prioritizing regions like the UAE where diabetes affects 20.7% of adults. This aligns with national health priorities focusing on preventive care and digital health transformation. Future expansions may include glucose monitoring and women’s health features, developed through partnerships with local medical institutions to ensure regulatory compliance and regional relevance.
Currently available on HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro models via software update, the technology represents a significant step toward scalable, non-invasive health monitoring that could potentially reduce long-term healthcare burdens through early intervention.