Key Information
- Oura has introduced two new metabolic features in the U.S. aimed at helping users monitor their dietary habits.
- The company has teamed up with Dexcom, a U.S.-based healthcare firm specializing in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.
- To utilize the glucose tracking feature, users must purchase the Stelo, a Dexcom glucose biosensor, which integrates with Oura’s app to deliver glucose readings.
- Additionally, Oura is rolling out its “Meals” feature, designed to help users assess the balance of their meals throughout the day.
On May 6, Oura announced the launch of two innovative features within its AI-powered suite aimed at United States users for tracking metabolic health. The system will now incorporate blood glucose data from an external device into the Oura app.
This functionality stems from a partnership with Dexcom, enabling users to gain insights into their glucose levels throughout the day using specialized biosensors.
The feature is accessible to users who purchase or already possess Stelo, an FDA-approved biosensor worn on the upper arm, utilizing Dexcom’s precise glucose technology to demonstrate the impacts of various lifestyle factors on glucose levels.
Members who link Stelo with Oura can view their glucose levels throughout the day, and also receive analysis on how nutrition, stress, physical activity, and sleep influence their blood glucose balance.
Image 1 of 2
Similar to other health metrics, this functionality provides users with contextual graphs on a new “Glucose screen,” along with insights from Oura Advisor designed to enhance their understanding of glucose levels throughout the day. This enables users to adapt their lifestyle habits to either maintain or achieve optimal glucose balance.
When monitoring blood glucose levels, users should pay attention to an important metric known as “Time Above Range,” indicating the duration spent exceeding their ideal glucose range. The Oura app employs AI to evaluate this metric and presents glucose trends for each day based on user behaviors.
“Glucose spikes after meals can vary largely due to factors such as sleep, stress, physical activity, and meal timing,” explained Shyamal Patel, senior vice president of science at Oura.
With this feature, the aim is to encourage users to explore and discover lifestyle choices that influence their glucose levels rather than merely depending on foods that might spike them.
“This strategy allows users to foster a healthy relationship with food while fostering sustainable habits that enhance metabolic health,” Patel stated.
Monitor Your ‘Meals’ with Oura
In addition, the company is launching an efficient method to track meals. Differing from other apps that require users to input each food item for calorie tracking, the “Meals” feature allows users to analyze an entire plate by simply taking a photo. “After extensive trials in Oura Labs, Meals has now become a permanent feature within the Oura App,” the company announced.
Unlike traditional calorie tracking methods, Meals emphasizes macronutrients. When users capture pictures of their plates, this feature breaks down their meals, displaying each “Meal Item” along with the nutrients present.
This breakdown shows aspects like protein, fiber, processing level, added sugars, total fats, and total carbohydrates, providing users with a concise overview. Moreover, Oura’s AI-powered Advisor offers personalized and supportive tips on meal choices.
These features will be available for Oura members on both iOS and Android, specifically for users in the United States. The Glucose biosensor Stelo can be purchased from Oura’s website for $99.
Oura also notes that while the Meals feature is currently U.S.-exclusive, there are plans for international rollout “later this year.”
“The introduction of Meals, Glucose, and Oura Advisor—with the strategic application of AI throughout—marks a significant advancement in providing a comprehensive and personalized health platform,” remarked Holly Shelton, chief product officer at Oura.
The Powerful Smart Ring
The Oura Ring 4 enhances a strong legacy by delivering top-notch health tracking features through a durable all-titanium design and cutting-edge Smart Sensing technology, ensuring greater accuracy and a longer-lasting battery life.