Accurate blood sugar testing is critical for staying safe and healthy with diabetes. It’s important to know which devices you can rely on to test your blood sugar. Many companies are developing new technologies that can test blood sugar without using a finger prick or test strips. Smartwatches are one option currently being tested. But are they safe and effective for people with diabetes?

Here are four facts you should know about smartwatches for people with diabetes. You’ll learn what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says about them, how accurate they are, and more.

1. Blood Sugar Smartwatches Are Different From Smartwatches That Are Compatible With Glucometers

There are two types of watches to be aware of. Some smartwatches claim to measure blood sugar levels on their own, without piercing the skin. Other smartwatches are compatible with glucose monitors. With these devices, a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) tests your blood sugar levels. Then, the watch displays the reading so you can easily check it from your wrist.

Smartwatches That Claim To Measure Blood Sugar

Blood sugar smartwatches claim to measure your blood sugar without piercing the skin. The technology these smartwatches use varies, and may include:

• Optical — Shines light on the skin, which gets absorbed by glucose
• Electromagnetic — Stimulates the skin and blood vessels around the watch sensor and looks to see how glucose reacts
• Microwave — Sends microwaves into the skin and blood vessels and sees how much is reflected by glucose
• Electrochemical — Detects glucose in bodily fluids other than blood (like sweat), which means it isn’t testing blood glucose levels specifically

These are different ways scientists and companies are trying to measure blood sugar without needing to prick the skin. These technologies may seem more convenient and less painful. But their safety and effectiveness for blood sugar management are still being studied.

Smartwatches Compatible With CGMs

Pairing a smartwatch with a CGM can be an accurate and convenient way to track your blood sugar levels. Many companies that make CGMs have apps that can be installed on a smartwatch so you can check the blood sugar readings from the CGM on your watch.

Here are some examples of smartwatches that can be paired with certain CGMs to monitor your blood sugar:

• Fitbit
• Garmin watches
• Apple Watches
• Samsung watches

Connecting your CGM to a smartwatch means you can get blood sugar readings in real time throughout the day. This can help you make decisions to keep your blood sugar in check.

These devices all work differently. For instance, the Dexcom G7 sensor can connect directly to an Apple Watch to show your glucose readings. A smartphone may be needed to set up the connection, but you may not need to have your phone nearby every time you monitor your blood sugar on your watch.

Other setups may require the smartphone or the device running the CGM app to be nearby. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure you’re using the watch properly.

2. The FDA Has Not Approved Smartwatches That Measure Blood Sugar on Their Own

In February 2024, the FDA issued a statement warning people not to use smartwatches that claim to measure blood sugar without piercing the skin. The FDA said these devices may give inaccurate readings. This can be especially dangerous for people with diabetes who rely on blood glucose readings to guide treatment.

The FDA issued a statement warning people not to use smartwatches that claim to measure blood sugar without piercing the skin.

The FDA stated that these types of devices haven’t been reviewed for safety and accuracy. This only applies to smartwatches that claim to measure blood sugar without piercing the skin. It doesn’t apply to smartwatches that connect to CGMs, which do provide an accurate reading and are monitored by the FDA.

The FDA is working to stop the sale of unapproved smartwatches that claim to check blood sugar without a needle. Because blood glucose smartwatches aren’t approved or cleared by the FDA yet, using FDA-approved glucometers or CGMs is the safest option for people with diabetes.

In a discussion about the Suga Pro smartwatch, one DiabetesTeam member said they were curious how it would compare to their CGM but thought it might not be suitable for people with diabetes. “I would be interested just to see what it can do because I could compare it to my Libre2 sensor, but I expect that it would be almost a ‘novelty’ for nondiabetics and not a serious blood sugar monitor.”

3. The Accuracy of Blood Sugar Smartwatches Isn’t Guaranteed

Blood sugar smartwatches that don’t pierce the skin haven’t been proven safe and effective by the FDA. In addition, they haven’t met the FDA’s accuracy requirements for over-the-counter blood sugar monitors.

One study tested a smartwatch that aimed to measure glucose through the skin from an electrochemical sensor on the wristband. The results showed that it accurately measured blood sugar about 84 percent of the time. This was a small study of 23 people, and only 13 had diabetes.

GWave sensors, which can be put into a wearable device like a watch, have also been studied for accuracy. Testing of two early versions of GWave showed that it’s accurate 98 percent of the time. However, the studies were small and didn’t include people with diabetes.

Another study looked at the accuracy of InCheck, a device that uses a sensor to measure blood sugar from your finger. There’s no finger prick. Data from over 1,000 people with type 2 diabetes who used InCheck showed that the blood sugar readings met FDA accuracy requirements about 19 percent of the time.

So far, the accuracy of these devices varies greatly. More research is needed to figure out if and how these new technologies can be made safe and reliable for people with diabetes.

4. Smartwatches May Help With Other Types of Diabetes Management

Getting regular exercise is an important part of diabetes management. Smartwatches can help you meet your physical activity goals. Many smartwatches allow you to track different kinds of physical activity, such as walking, hiking, or weight training.

Smartwatches can also accurately monitor your heart rate during exercise and at rest. Some smartwatches can also track your sleep patterns and measure your sleep quality. Seeing this health data can help you make informed decisions to improve your health and track progress over time.

The Importance of Accurate Blood Sugar Readings

Inaccurate readings from blood sugar smartwatches can be harmful to your health. Accurate readings are key to proper blood sugar management. If a smartwatch says your blood sugar is higher than it actually is, for example, you might take more insulin than your body needs. Taking too much insulin or other diabetes medications can lead to dangerously low glucose.

One DiabetesTeam member emphasized the importance of accurate blood sugar readings and advised against a blood sugar smartwatch: “They are not accurate, and it is just an easy way to get yourself in trouble. Stick with the blood sticks. Remember, if it sounds easy or too good to be true, it should be a hard pass when the device is supposed to help you make life decisions.”

Talk with a healthcare provider about how a smartwatch can help you manage your diabetes. The provider may be able to recommend smartwatches or apps to pair with your CGM. They may also offer other ways a smartwatch can support you with your diabetes care plan and overall health goals.

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