Best Smartwatch For Diabetics (Review 2024) – Diabetic Me (2024)

Smartwatches are a great way to stay on top of your personal health and fitness goals and are becoming even more useful for people with diabetes. By utilizing Bluetooth technology, a smartwatch can connect a person to their phone or tablet and transmit data via an app to help you with blood glucose monitoring, alert you when it is time for insulin shots, and help you call emergency services if needed. Currently, the majority of diabetic patients use finger pricks and insert test strips into compatible blood glucose meters or use a continuous glucose meter (CGM). Diabetic patients have dreamt of non-invasive means to assess their glucose levels quickly, and technological companies will soon achieve this. These devices also take advantage of sensors like ECG and SpO₂ (blood oxygen level saturation) along with other valuable features, including fitness tracking, sleep tracking, blood pressure, and heart rate monitoring.

There are many smartwatches available already, and frankly, they have not yet been studied/compared in clinical trials to assess their usefulness for patients with diabetes. This article will examine the FDA’s role in regulating smartwatches in diabetes, the various products available and provide guidance to how best fit a smartwatch in your personal journey with diabetes.

If you're looking for regular devices to monitor your blood sugar levels, then look at a previous blog post about the best glucose meters.

The #1 Best Smartwatch for Diabetics

What Does the FDA Say About Smartwatches for Tracking Blood Glucose?

Let’s first address the primary issue about using smartwatches to track your blood sugar. The FDA (U.S Food and Drug Administration) recently came out saying, “[the FDA] has not authorized, cleared, or approved any smartwatch or smart ring that is intended to measure or estimate blood glucose values on its own.” Therefore, it remains crucial to differentiate smartwatches from available medical devices on the market and identify ways this technology can be useful but not entirely relied upon for monitoring your blood glucose levels.

Which Smartwatch Can Monitor Blood Sugar Levels?

In 2001 we had the first diabetes watch introduced by GlucoWatch. They tried non-invasive glucose monitoring without the need to penetrate the skin. Unfortunately, they never got FDA approval and had to stop their product in 2007.

Other brands like K'Watch tried to create a non-invasive glucose monitor, but none of them really took off.

Today, we are grateful that smartwatches can display the glucose readings on a mainstream watch. The most common models compatible with CGM devices include the Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch, Fitbit, and Samsung.

While there are rumors that Apple Watch and Fitbit will announce direct blood glucose readings on their devices, there is currently no direct integration to get your glucose levels directly on the watch itself. However, research since 2022 shows that major tech companies will continue to make advancements in making this seamless and widely available to the public but may need to acquire FDA approval before anything is officially marketed.

Can A Smartwatch Track Blood Glucose Levels?

A smartwatch itself can't track blood glucose levels, but it can work together with a special app to help you monitor blood glucose levels and transfer your blood sugar readings to your phone. The device will pair up with your phone and record the data from the watch's sensors when you feel an increase or decrease in your blood glucose levels. The phone app receives the data from your CGM sensor/transmitter through Bluetooth. So it's not the smartwatch monitoring your blood sugar levels; it's more like it acts as a conduit to show you what is happening with your blood sugar level.

Which CGM Works With a Smartwatch?

Some market-leading CGMs that pair with most smartwatches include the Dexcom G-Series, Medtronic MiniMed systems, and Abbott Freestyle Libre.

1. Dexcom

The Dexcom G6 mobile software is adaptable to both Apple and Android smartwatches.

The app's main screen offers a wealth of information. It contains your current glucose number, arrow trend, and graphs for 1-, 3-, 6- and 24-hour periods.

Dexcom offers helpful insight on how to integrate your smart devices with their CGM systems here.

2. Medtronic

Medtronic is the world's largest insulin pump brand and the only one to manufacture a CGM called the Guardian Connect. For example, the MiniMed 780G is a hybrid closed-loop insulin pump that automatically adjusts basal rates to keep blood sugar levels in check.

How do I connect my Medtronic device to my Apple watch?

There is no official way yet to display real-time data from Medtronic directly to Apple smartwatches yet. However, you can use the Medtronic mobile app on your iPhone to view real-time blood sugar readings and connect with your Apple Watch to keep track. It will only work if you have the Minimed 780G insulin pump and the associated MiniMed mobile app. Use the official Medtronic guide to connect your device.

You can also use the 3rd party app GuardianMonitor to display your blood sugar levels on the Apple Watch 7 and 8.

3. FreeStyle Libre

This system from Abbott Diabetes Care is known as a Flash Glucose Monitor.

Users must manually wave their phone or scanner over the tiny circular sensor worn on the arm to get a reading. There is no clear indication of when Abbott will release a direct connection to a smartwatch, but apps like DiaBox can help you with a connection.

What Is The Best Smartwatch for Diabetics?

Below you can find some of the best smartwatches for diabetics that will be sure to meet your needs!

How Smartwatches Help in Diabetes Management

A smartwatch is a fantastic device in its own right and can help diabetics in several ways. For example, they can be alerted when their blood sugar reaches high or low levels and take the appropriate action to correct it. In addition, they can track food intake, physical activity, and insulin doses to manage diabetes better.

Real-time glucose readings

Some diabetes watches offer continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) integration, providing users with real-time glucose readings. This feature helps diabetic patients to review their blood sugar levels and to make informed decisions about insulin administration, food intake, and exercise, ultimately leading to better blood sugar control and diabetes management.

Glucose trend analysis

These smartwatches provide real-time glucose readings and analyze blood glucose data and trends. This analysis enables users to identify patterns and adjust their lifestyle, medication, and overall diabetes management plan.

High/low glucose alerts

Diabetic smartwatches come with customizable alerts and notifications for high or low glucose levels, allowing users to take prompt action to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. This early warning system helps to avoid potential complications and maintain a healthy blood sugar balance.

Medication reminders

These smartwatches also offer medication reminders, ensuring users never miss a dose of their diabetes medications. This feature is especially helpful for those who take multiple medications or have a busy lifestyle.

Physical activity tracking

Diabetic smartwatches have built-in health and fitness features to monitor physical activity levels. This helps users stay active and manage their weight, which is essential for maintaining optimal blood sugar levels and overall health.

Sleep monitoring

Sleep plays a significant role in diabetes management, as poor sleep can affect blood sugar levels. Smartwatches offer advanced sleep tracking, providing insights into sleep patterns and quality, enabling users to make necessary adjustments for better sleep and improved diabetes

If you're looking for a way to help keep tabs on your diabetes while staying connected with the world, a smartwatch is the perfect device for you! Research before purchasing one to get the watch that best suits your needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Smartwatch

1. Battery Life

One of the most important things to consider when buying a smartwatch is its battery life since you'll often only get one full charge per night, and it's not always reliable for all brands. But if your watch can last up to several days without charging, this will undoubtedly help with diabetes management since you don't have to worry about plugging in every night or two as some watches require.

2. Water Resistance

Before buying a smartwatch, it's essential to check if it is water-resistant because you don't want your watch to stop working when swimming or taking a shower.

Most smartwatches are waterproof up to a certain depth, but some can be submerged in water without any damage, so double-check before purchasing one.

3. Compatible Devices

Some smartwatches only work on specific devices, so checking that your phone or tablet is compatible with the watch you're considering is important.

This isn't as big of an issue as it used to be since most smartwatches now have cross-platform compatibility, but double-check just in case.

4. Sensor Used

The sensor or device you use to measure your blood sugar isn't always compatible with all smartwatches. So if you're using a CGM (continuous glucose monitor), ensure the watch you buy is compatible with that sensor type.

Otherwise, you might be limited to specific brands or models of smartwatches that will work best for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

With the right smartwatch, you can stay connected to your diabetes health management while enjoying your whole life. While the FDA has for now officially struck down this technology for tracking blood glucose, it remains a matter of time before we see regulated smartwatches on the market that will truly do this for you. The choice of smartwatch for you will depend on how well integrated you want your watch to be with your smartphone, its features, battery life, and cost. Be sure to research before purchasing one to get the most appropriate watch for your needs and lifestyle.