Tracking glucose levels has never been easier! While these watches don’t monitor glucose on their own, they serve as powerful tools for viewing real-time data from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Explore how these smartwatches are transforming diabetes management.
How Smartwatches Work with CGMs for Glucose Monitoring
Smartwatches aren’t yet equipped to serve as standalone glucose monitors, but they do play a vital role in receiving and displaying data from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Essentially, the smartwatch acts as a conduit, displaying real-time glucose data from a CGM device. The smartwatch syncs with a smartphone app, which is connected to the CGM sensor on your body. This allows users to view their glucose levels with just a glance at their wrist, making it easier to monitor trends and stay informed throughout the day.
While smartwatches currently require a paired phone to receive CGM data, companies are working toward direct-to-watch connectivity in the near future. Until then, smartwatches offer an easy and accessible way to view glucose data and receive alerts, improving daily diabetes management for users without the need for manual readings.
Apple Watch: Leading the Way in Diabetes Management
The Apple Watch is one of the top smartwatches for real-time glucose monitoring due to its seamless integration with CGM systems. While the watch itself doesn’t monitor glucose levels directly, it syncs with apps on iPhones to provide users with a constant feed of their blood sugar levels.
The Dexcom app enables the Apple Watch to display glucose trends, alerts, and data over a 1-, 3-, 6-, and 24-hour period. One standout feature of the Apple Watch is the customizable watch face, which can change color based on glucose readings—red for high, green for in-range, and yellow for low levels. This makes it easy to stay informed at a glance. Additionally, Apple’s advanced notifications system allows for quick alerts about rising or falling glucose levels, making it an ideal choice for those who want comprehensive diabetes management from their wrist.
Garmin: A Strong Contender for Fitness and Diabetes Data
Garmin smartwatches have gained popularity in the diabetes community, particularly for those who lead active lifestyles and need glucose data integrated with fitness tracking. Garmin smartwatches, including models like the Forerunner and Fenix series, can display real-time glucose readings by syncing with the Dexcom G6 sensor via the Connect IQ widget.
While the watch doesn’t provide its own glucose alerts, it allows users to monitor glucose trends during physical activities such as running, cycling, or swimming. One of the major advantages of Garmin devices is the ability to correlate fitness data—such as heart rate, steps, and calories burned—with glucose levels. This allows users to see how exercise impacts their blood sugar levels and adjust their routines accordingly. Although it doesn’t yet offer direct-to-watch glucose monitoring, Garmin provides a strong combination of fitness tracking and real-time glucose insights, making it a popular choice for active individuals managing diabetes.
Fitbit: A Reliable Option for Monitoring Glucose Trends
Fitbit has long been a leader in wearable fitness technology, and its newer models now support glucose monitoring integration with CGM devices. While Fitbit smartwatches cannot monitor blood sugar directly, they connect with third-party apps like the Dexcom G6 app to display real-time glucose readings on the wrist.
Fitbit’s user-friendly interface makes it simple to track glucose trends throughout the day, providing notifications when levels are too high or too low. One advantage of Fitbit devices is their long battery life, which allows for continuous tracking without frequent charging.
Fitbit smartwatches also combine fitness tracking features with glucose monitoring, giving users insights into how physical activity, sleep patterns, and other health metrics affect their blood sugar. As Fitbit continues to evolve, it remains a solid choice for those seeking an easy-to-use smartwatch that supports diabetes management alongside overall wellness.
Learn More About Diabetic Management
Effective diabetes management relies on a combination of real-time glucose tracking, healthy lifestyle choices, and appropriate medical treatments. Smartwatches paired with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have made it easier for individuals to track their blood sugar levels with just a glance.
These innovations allow for timely adjustments, helping to maintain glucose control and improve overall health. Staying informed about the latest tools and advancements is key to making diabetes management as seamless and effective as possible.
Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers of the risks of using smartwatches that claim to measure blood glucose levels without piercing the skin. These devices are different than smartwatch applications that display data from FDA-authorized blood glucose measuring devices that pierce the skin, like continuous glucose monitoring devices. The FDA has not approved any smartwatch that claims to measure glucose values on its own.