If you’re managing diabetes or simply want to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels, you may have wondered if there are smartwatches that can directly monitor glucose from your wrist. While there isn’t a smartwatch that can do this entirely on its own just yet, there have been significant advancements in this area, with the potential for more exciting developments in the future. Let’s explore the current state of smartwatches and their capabilities for monitoring blood sugar.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring with Garmin: Dexcom Compatibility
Garmin offers a solution for individuals who want to monitor blood glucose levels continuously. This capability is made possible through the integration with the Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitoring systems. These systems allow you to access information about your glucose levels, trends, and diabetes management without the need for finger pricks.
To view this glucose data on your Garmin smartwatch, you can use the Dexcom app for Connect IQ. Compatible Garmin devices include the fēnix 6 series, vīvoactive 4 series, MARQ series, Venu Sq – Music, Venu 2 series, Forerunner 245 Music, Forerunner 745, Forerunner 945, quatix 6 series, tactix Delta series, Edge 530, Edge 830, Edge 1030, and Edge 1030 Plus, among others.
Huawei Watch 4: Analyzing Health Indicators
The Huawei Watch 4 takes a unique approach by analyzing various health indicators, including blood sugar. Instead of providing specific glucose readings, it offers a function that assesses the risk of hyperglycemia. In just 60 seconds, the watch evaluates 10 health indicators, allowing for continuous monitoring of blood sugar values.
Although it doesn’t provide exact blood sugar measurements, the Huawei Watch 4 comes closest to what users are seeking. It is a step toward enhancing the monitoring and prediction of glucose-related risks.
Apple’s Ongoing Development: Glucometer for Apple Watch
Apple has been working on a glucometer for its Apple Watch, which would enable users to monitor blood sugar levels without invasive finger pricks. While this technology isn’t yet available, it is under development for future iterations. The approach involves optical absorption spectroscopy, where a laser emits light waves under the skin to detect glucose concentration. An algorithm then interprets this data to determine blood glucose levels.
Fitbit is also working on a similar concept where a glucometer, in the form of a patch, collects data and displays it on the watch.
While there are no smartwatches at present that can directly measure and display blood sugar levels for easy diabetes management, there’s promise on the horizon. Many companies are actively researching and developing this technology, raising hope for its eventual integration into future devices, perhaps even the next Apple Watch.
In the meantime, be cautious of any smartwatches that claim to display blood sugar readings but lack the necessary medical validation. For now, it’s best to rely on the options offered by established brands in collaboration with glucose monitoring systems.