HLTH 2023: Industry Leaders Recognise Innovation, Emerging Trends for Positive Healthcare Delivery

…Nick Jonas advocates continuous glucose monitoring tech to manage diabetes

Rebecca Ejifoma

Industry leaders from across the health and technology spectrum have underscored the importance of innovations and emerging trends to positively transform healthcare delivery worldwide.

This highlight was a major lead at the four-day hybrid HLTH Conference 2023 in Las Vegas, US, from October 8 to 11 this year themed, “Elevating Humanity”.

The over 300 speakers included health industry executives, government officials, policy experts, visionary investors, influential celebrities, and tech industry leaders.

Among the 100 topics covered include The Diabetes Money Pit, Heart Disease, Too Long at the Top, Need to Prioritise Mental Health, Teletherapy and Mental Health Apps, Emerging Technologies and Innovative Ideas for Patient Care. 

They had various panels that addressed topics including Cancer, Diabetes, AI, Maternal and Child Care, Data in Health, Behaviour Change, Food as Medicine, Sleep Health, Wellness Mythbusters, Fitness as a Therapeutic, and Psychedelic Medicine among others.

One of the panels comprised the MD of Twin Health, Lisa Shah; tech veteran and Founder and CEO of January AI, Noosheen Hashemi; the CEO of Thorne HealthTech, Paul Jacobson; the Global Head of Digital for Roche Pharma, Stephen Ranjan; and the Head of Content for HLTH Europe, Lina Behrens. 

They underscored the potential of data to revolutionise healthcare beyond traditional medicine, emerging as a powerful tool to drive informed health decision-making.

They believe that wearable technology optimisation and data-driven clinical analysis can produce insights and knowledge to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of care. 

The panellists further shared their views on the importance of data in managing and preventing health issues.

They emphasised the crucial role of wearable technologies and Artificial Intelligence.

Although some panellists pointed out that the effectiveness of wearables is overrated, they stressed the need for more work to ensure these devices lead to substantial behavioural changes. 

In their analysis, they noted the importance of integrating therapeutic diagnostics and data with the potential for powerful interventions that reduce harmful events and improve patient outcomes.

While advocating for the use of wearables and AI in achieving this, the speakers outlined how data could give patients the tools to make more informed health management choices.

They were confident in the shift taking place in the role of doctors and the healthcare system, and providing patients with actionable data for self-management.

According to research, health data analytics gives room for improved patient care, faster and more accurate diagnoses, preventive measures, more personalised treatment and more informed decision-making.

Walking the audience through his diabetes journey since age 13, American singer and actor, Nick Jonas, says he uses Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology. 

He shared: “When I was first diagnosed, I was on a different pump than I’m on now. I was on injections first for many, many months. I got on a pump and then I came off the pump and back on. 

“My doctor kept saying we need to try to get you on a CGM. At first, I was apprehensive —this was like 2007 or 2008. I got on that first-generation tech of the CGM, the Dexcom, and fell in love with it,” he expressed. 

On the future of diabetes management, Jonas advocates CGM. “What I hope happens is that while there’s still a need for management, there’s a clean and wonderful way for people to have access to this incredible technology. 

“And eventually down the road in my lifetime, absolutely I would love to see a cure. I think that’s the main goal for any type 1 or type 2 diabetic. But at this moment when management is a priority, tools like this are paramount and I hope that trend continues and that access to it continues.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Founder and CEO of HLTH Conference, Jonathan Weiner, said the true value of the event is in their community coming together in person. “The conversations that take place is the idea that can truly change this industry.”

While recognising the power of the platform in bringing the leaders together, Weiner acknowledged the incredible power they all hold in truly moving the industry in a positive direction.

He encouraged: “Let’s use this collective power to elevate humanity. We care about our patients. We care about equity. We care about innovation.”

The CEO went ahead to commiserate with victims of the Israel and Hamas war. “We are heartbroken for all the innocent people affected by the tragic events happening in Israel over the past couple of days.”

Among the international community at HLTH this year, Weiner acknowledged that over 100 attendees and sponsors were from Israel.

He expressed: “Our hearts are with all of those who have been affected. We stand with the many people and nations around the world currently under attack and being deprived of the freedoms we have today.

“HLTH will be donating to the AFMDA, which is Israel’s National Paramedic and Red Cross Service.”