Smartwatches and Blood Sugar Tracking: What to Know (2025)

Health organizations have warned against using smartwatches to track blood sugar for diabetes management. Here’s what I’ve learned and what you should know.

As someone who’s lived with type 2 diabetes for over 20 years, I’ve seen a lot of innovation in treating the disease.

In the late 1990s, news outlets reported on a new device called the GlucoWatch G2 Biographer, which promised blood glucose readings without piercing your skin. It could be worn on your wrist like a watch, allowing you to monitor your blood sugar levels without the hassle and pain associated with finger sticks.

Testing my blood glucose levels is my least favorite part of type 2 diabetes, so I was excited to try out the GlucoWatch. But it was expensive, and my insurance wouldn’t cover it. Plus, it didn’t give accurate readings and was discontinued in 2007.

Now, new wearables and other devices, such as smartwatches and smart rings, promise the same things as the GlucoWatch did. I’m still looking for ways to avoid pricking my fingers, and I usually wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

I’m intrigued by the idea of finding out my blood glucose with just a glance at my wrist, so I decided to research these new products to see if I can incorporate them into my diabetes management.

How do smartwatches and smart rings monitor blood glucose levels?

Smartwatches and smart rings can monitor glucose levels in two ways, depending on what type of device you have and how it records your blood glucose.

If your diabetes management includes a CGM, you probably already use your smartphone or a receiver to get your glucose levels. Most smartwatches work with your CGM and smartphone via Bluetooth and an app that sends a reading to your watch.

However, technology has recently improved, and it’s now possible to send the reading directly to your smartwatch without using a receiver or smartphone app.

Smart devices also monitor blood glucose levels using noninvasive techniques. One technique, highlighted in a research review from 2023, works by checking glucose molecules with distinct characteristics in different light frequencies, such as ultrasonic and visible light.

However, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these noninvasive techniques are less accurate than traditional blood glucose monitoring and should not be used in diabetes management.

What are the benefits and limitations of using a smartwatch for blood glucose monitoring?

My CGM allows me to check my blood sugar level by glancing at my phone. It alerts me when my levels are high and sends audible alerts to me and my family members when they are trending down.

It also tracks my numbers and allows me to review my CGM data later to see if a particular event, such as taking a walk or doing a yoga session, affected me. If my levels are too low, I may need to eat a snack before my workout.

I always wore a watch before my smartphone took its place. If I needed to know the time, I glanced at my wrist or, if I wasn’t wearing my watch at that time, asked someone. Now my smartphone tells me the time, checks my email, and reminds me it’s time to drink water and walk.

I’m almost always with my smartphone, but sometimes I don’t want to be, like during a movie or when hanging with friends.

The ability to get an accurate reading on a smartwatch while doing these activities is appealing, but I’ve found the watch to be bulky and oversized for something I want to wear on my wrist. Additionally, the screen size makes it hard to read unless it’s magnified several times or unless I put on my reading glasses.

How do smartwatches integrate with other health features?

Smartwatches can be one part of your overall health management journey and integrate well with other health features. For example, a smartwatch can measure your heart rate, sleep duration, and respiratory rate. It can also help you track your steps, encourage you to drink more fluids, and allow you to track your food.

For diabetes management, a smartwatch gives you peace of mind by monitoring your blood glucose numbers and alerting you when they trend up or down. This can be especially helpful if you or a loved one cannot recognize the symptoms associated with these events.

Takeaway

The FDA warns that, at this time, you should not use a smartwatch or smart ring that advertises the ability to give blood glucose readings through noninvasive techniques.

A CGM or traditional glucose meter is still the best option for accurately measuring blood sugar levels. Do your own research, and don’t be afraid to try something new. I find a smartwatch bulky and hard to read, so for now, I’ll stick with a CGM to help me manage my diabetes.

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