Utilizing Digital Health Monitoring to Reduce Diabetes Risk in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Research at the University of Texas at Arlington is advancing the use of wearable devices to help childhood cancer survivors prevent long-term health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Yue Liao, an assistant professor of kinesiology, collaborated with City of Hope, a prestigious national cancer center, on a review article published in the journal Cancer. They highlight how digital health tools, especially wearable sensors, can enhance early detection of disease risks among survivors.

Wearable sensors enable continuous monitoring of various health indicators like blood glucose levels, vital signs, mood, and behavior, providing valuable insights over extended periods. Dr. Liao emphasized that this data allows researchers and clinicians to understand fluctuations and patterns that are not observable through traditional, infrequent clinical assessments, paving the way for more personalized health interventions.

The article emphasizes two main strategies for implementing digital health tools effectively:

1. Combining traditional health metrics with real-time data from wearable sensors to identify new risk factors.
2. Reassessing diabetes risk in childhood cancer survivors with this technology to facilitate early intervention.

Liao, who leads the Physical Activity and Wearable Sensors Lab, has extensive experience in mobile technology and wearable sensors. Her work focuses on monitoring daily activities like physical activity, eating habits, and sleep patterns to inform health interventions. She stresses that survivorship planning for childhood cancer survivors differs significantly from adults due to their longer expected lifespan, making early and continuous risk assessment critical.

Survivors may be more receptive to digital health solutions, especially those that integrate into their existing routines and technologies. Liao advocates for responsible data use, leveraging the health-related information already generated to promote better health outcomes and prevent diseases.

This innovative approach aims to tailor interventions that support healthier aging trajectories in childhood cancer survivors, ultimately reducing the incidence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Source: Medical Xpress — August 11, 2025.