Introduction to Oura’s New Features

Oura has announced two new features that will help users track their metabolic health: Glucose and Meals. These features are designed to work together with the Oura Ring and provide users with a more comprehensive understanding of their health.

The Glucose Feature

The Glucose feature requires users to purchase a Dexcom Stelo CGM, which costs $99 and can be bought directly from Oura’s website. Once paired with the Oura Ring, users will be able to view their glucose data alongside other metrics such as stress, movement, and tags. The feature also provides AI summaries of daily glucose trends and a new metric called "time above range," which shows how long glucose levels stay above the ideal 70-140 mg/dL target.

Availability of the Glucose Feature

Due to regulatory clearance, the Glucose feature will only be available in the US for now. However, it is FSA/HSA eligible, making it more accessible to users who need it. Oura plans to expand the feature to other countries in the future, but for now, it is only available in the US.

The Meals Feature

The Meals feature uses the Oura Advisor chatbot, which utilizes generative AI to analyze a user’s long-term data and trends. The feature works by taking pictures of meals, which are then analyzed to provide a breakdown of estimated macronutrients and nutritional value. Oura Advisor also provides feedback on how to build more satiating meals and offers "non-judgmental insights" based on overall health objectives.

How the Features Work Together

When used together, the Glucose and Meals features provide an even more comprehensive understanding of metabolic health. Users will have access to a metric called "meal level time above range," which analyzes how long glucose levels stay elevated after eating. This information can help users make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle.

The Future of Metabolic Health Tracking

Oura’s pivot to metabolic health is not surprising, given the growing interest in this area. Other companies, such as Ultrahuman and Samsung, are also exploring metabolic health tracking. Oura’s acquisition of Veri, a CGM startup, also shows its commitment to this area. As the smart ring market continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see more features and technologies focused on metabolic health.

Conclusion

Oura’s new Glucose and Meals features are a significant step forward in metabolic health tracking. By providing users with a more comprehensive understanding of their glucose levels and dietary habits, Oura is helping users take control of their health. While the features are currently only available in the US, it’s likely that they will be expanded to other countries in the future. As the smart ring market continues to evolve, it’s exciting to think about what other innovations we might see in the area of metabolic health tracking.