- Huawei introduces non-invasive PPG feature to flag potential diabetes wellness patterns.
- Users receive Low, Medium, or High risk insights after consistent wear.
- Global diabetes numbers spotlight urgent need for proactive health awareness tools.
- Feature debuts on Watch GT 6 Pro with wider rollout coming.
Last week in Dubai, health tech took center stage as Huawei unveiled a new smartwatch feature designed to help people understand potential diabetes risks earlier. Revealed at World Health Expo Dubai 2026, the update uses wearable sensors to translate everyday biometric data into meaningful wellness alerts, giving users a nudge toward preventive care.
The timing could not be more relevant. According to International Diabetes Federation, 589 million adults worldwide are currently living with diabetes, with 43 percent still undiagnosed. In the MENA region alone, 85 million adults are affected, and that figure is projected to nearly double by 2050. Closer to home, diabetes prevalence in the UAE stands at 20.7 percent among adults, making early awareness tools more important than ever.
Huawei’s new Diabetes Risk Assessment feature taps into non-invasive Photoplethysmography, or PPG, technology already built into its smartwatches. By analysing subtle changes in blood flow patterns over time, the system identifies wellness trends linked to blood sugar fluctuations. Users simply wear their watch consistently for three to fourteen days. After that, the app categorises patterns into Low, Medium, or High risk.
Those flagged in the Medium or High categories are encouraged to seek professional medical advice. It is not a diagnostic tool, and it does not measure exact glucose levels, but it does help people recognise potential red flags earlier, which can make a real difference.
The science behind this approach is gaining momentum. Research shows links between resting heart rate, microvascular changes, and diabetes-related nerve damage, all of which influence PPG signals. Speaking at the expo, Jiguang Wang highlighted wearable PPG as a reliable method for proactive health-trend awareness. He has worked closely with Huawei on several projects, including the development of blood pressure monitoring watches.
Right now, the feature is available via an OTA update on the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro, with broader compatibility planned across more models soon. The rollout reflects Huawei’s growing focus on everyday wellness, shifting wearables from fitness companions into practical health awareness tools.
For users, this means a smartwatch that does more than count steps or track sleep. It becomes a quiet partner in daily life, offering insights that could prompt earlier conversations with doctors and smarter lifestyle choices. For Huawei, it signals a clear direction, blending accessible technology with preventative health support at scale.
As chronic conditions continue to rise globally, tools that encourage early action are becoming essential. Huawei’s latest update shows how wearables can play a meaningful role in that conversation, right from the wrist.
Explore Huawei’s latest smartwatches and discover how wearable tech can support your wellness goals!
