Study to evaluate how behavioral and
sensor data from wearables and blood tests can be leveraged to help
individuals better assess and manage their metabolic health
SECAUCUS, N.J., Jan. 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fitbit and Quest
Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic
information services, today announced a collaboration to study the
potential of wearable devices to improve metabolic health, which
influences risk of developing several diseases, including diabetes
and heart disease.
The Wearables for Metabolic Health (WEAR-ME) pilot study will
pair behavioral and biometric data from Fitbit devices with health
insights from Quest Diagnostics' laboratory tests to explore ways
data can be combined and analyzed to improve the assessment and
management of metabolic health and help to inform the prevention of
disease.
The study aims to evaluate the effect of wearables on users'
behaviors as assessed based on objective laboratory test results.
While data shows wearables can favorably influence users'
modifiable behaviors, such as diet, exercise and sleep, research on
health outcomes by objective measures is less established.
"This study aligns with our goal at Quest to empower people to
take control of their health, with convenient access to more than
75 lab tests with physician oversight, but without the doctor
visit," said Richard Adams, Vice
President and General Manager of Consumer-Initiated Testing at
Quest, which includes the company's consumer-initiated testing
platform at questhealth.com. "By teaming up, Quest and Fitbit will
harness laboratory testing to better understand the type of
information that motivates people to make healthy choices that
ultimately improve their health."
The IRB approved study will invite approximately 1,500 existing
Fitbit users to join and consent to share three months of their
Fitbit data. They will also be given the opportunity to receive
laboratory testing at no cost using a panel of blood tests
specifically designed to assess metabolic health, including blood
sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides. Study participants will sign
up through the Google Health Studies App, where they will be
prompted to schedule an appointment for a blood draw at a Quest
patient service center. A third-party physician will order tests
for participants. In addition, participants will have direct access
to their lab test results through the Google app and through
Quest's free mobile app, MyQuest.
Poor metabolic health is a major risk factor for chronic
diseases and serious health conditions including heart disease,
diabetes and stroke. Metabolic health is assessed using several
benchmarks including blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
In a recent study that explored the prevalence and risk factors of
metabolic health, prevalence of metabolic syndrome among
participants was 63 percent.1 Physical activity, a
healthful diet and quality sleep can help reduce the risk of
developing these conditions.
"Improving metabolic health is essential to prolong the time we
stay healthy and disease free," said Javier
L. Prieto, Ph.D., Principal Investigator and Senior Staff
Research Scientist, Google. "Metabolic health is influenced by many
factors. We think this study will help us uncover how biometrics
measured by wearables can help you understand your metabolic
health. With that understanding you will be able to improve your
health through better activity, sleep and dietary habits."
This study is an important step in our efforts to understand the
potential of wearable devices to improve metabolic health and
develop new strategies for managing chronic diseases. The WEAR-ME
pilot study is expected to be completed in 2024.
About Quest
Quest, through questhealth.com, empowers consumers by making
affordable, high-quality, trusted healthcare easy. With innovative
tools, we give consumers more control over their own healthcare
journeys and meet them where they are, supporting both consumers
and their care teams. Our consumer-initiated test service allows
people access to the same quality lab tests used by doctors and
hospitals, providing the information and insights they need about
their health. With more than 75+ lab tests available at
questhealth.com, from general health profiles to tests for
conditions ranging from heart health to sexually transmitted
diseases, consumers can shop, schedule test appointments, and
access results securely from a phone or computer.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics empowers
people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the
world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic
insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire
healthy behaviors and improve healthcare management. Quest annually
serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and
hospitals in the United States,
and our nearly 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands
and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire
actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com
About Fitbit
Fitbit helps people lead healthier,
more active lives by empowering them with data, inspiration and
guidance to reach their goals. Fitbit designs products and
experiences that track and provide motivation for everyday health
and fitness. Fitbit's diverse line of innovative and popular
products include Fitbit Sense 2™, Fitbit Versa 4™, Fitbit Luxe™,
Fitbit Charge 6™, Fitbit Inspire 3™, Fitbit Ace 3™ trackers and
Fitbit Aria Air™ smart scale. The Fitbit platform delivers
personalized experiences, insights and guidance through leading
software and interactive tools, including the Fitbit app, and
Fitbit OS for smartwatches. Fitbit's paid subscription service,
Fitbit Premium, provides advanced analytics and actionable guidance
in the Fitbit app to help you reach your health and fitness
goals.
Quest® is the brand name used for services offered by Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated and its affiliated companies. Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated and certain affiliates are CLIA-certified
laboratories that provide HIPAA-covered services. Other affiliates
operated under the Quest® brand, such as Quest Consumer Inc., do
not provide HIPAA-covered services.
1 Rus M, Crisan S, Andronie-Cioara FL, Indries M,
Marian P, Pobirci OL, Ardelean AI. Prevalence and Risk Factors of
Metabolic Syndrome: A Prospective Study on Cardiovascular Health.
Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Sep 25;59(10):1711. doi:
10.3390/medicina59101711. PMID: 37893429; PMCID: PMC10608643.
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SOURCE Quest Diagnostics