Smartwatches have come a long way—from counting steps and tracking heart rates to now monitoring ECG, sleep, and even SpO2 levels. But can a smartwatch really monitor blood sugar (glucose) levels accurately?
If you or someone you love has diabetes, the idea of checking blood sugar levels just by glancing at your wrist sounds revolutionary. It’s convenient, pain-free, and futuristic. But as of 2025, is it possible?
The Promise: A Non-Invasive Way to Monitor Blood Sugar
The idea of a smartwatch that can monitor your blood glucose levels without piercing the skin is not new. Tech giants like Apple and Samsung have been exploring this for years. Rumors swirl about every new Apple Watch release being the one that finally includes blood glucose monitoring.
The Truth in 2025: No FDA-Approved Smartwatch for Glucose Monitoring Yet
Despite the hype, there is currently no smartwatch on the market that is FDA-approved to measure blood sugar directly. All the major smartwatch brands—Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin—do not offer built-in blood glucose sensors that meet medical standards.
Some budget smartwatches advertise glucose tracking via optical sensors, like:
- FitVII GT5 Pro
- GUCABE Glucose Smartwatch
- MT200 Glucose Watch
But these watches lack medical approval and often produce inaccurate readings, making them unsafe for diabetic users.
The Real Solution: Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
While smartwatches can't directly measure blood sugar, you can still view real-time glucose data on your smartwatch—thanks to CGMs.
What is a CGM?
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a wearable medical device that tracks glucose levels continuously via a small sensor under the skin. The data is then sent wirelessly to your smartphone and smartwatch.
Best CGMs That Work with Smartwatches
- Dexcom G7: FDA-approved, integrates with Apple Watch and Android smartwatches. Offers real-time glucose tracking and alerts.
- FreeStyle Libre 2 & 3: Real-time tracking with third-party app compatibility for smartwatches.
- Medtronic Guardian Connect: Predictive alerts and smartwatch compatibility via mobile apps.
How to Set It Up: CGM + Smartwatch Combo
- Install the CGM app (like Dexcom or LibreLink) on your smartphone.
- Connect your smartwatch to the phone app.
- Enable glucose widgets or complications on your watch face.
Smartwatches like Apple Watch Series 9 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 are compatible with these systems.
Why Not Use Smartwatches That Claim to Measure Blood Sugar?
Unverified smartwatches with glucose tracking often provide:
- ❌ No FDA or CE clearance
- ❌ Inaccurate and inconsistent readings
- ❌ Misleading marketing
Using them could lead to poor diabetes management decisions and health risks.
What’s Coming Next: The Future of Glucose Monitoring
Tech companies and startups are racing to build non-invasive glucose monitors for wearables. Research is underway using infrared, spectroscopy, and RF tech. Notable efforts include:
- 🔬 Samsung: Working on infrared-based glucose monitoring
- 🔬 Apple: Exploring optical sensors with AI modeling
- 🔬 KnowLabs & Afon: Developing radio-wave based prototypes
These innovations show promise, but FDA approval and public release are still 2–5 years away.
What You Should Do Today
✅ DO:
- Use an FDA-approved CGM
- Pair it with your smartwatch for convenience
- Track real-time data and consult your doctor
❌ DON'T:
- Trust unregulated smartwatches for glucose readings
- Use them for medical decisions or insulin dosing
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Conclusion
While smartwatches with built-in, non-invasive glucose tracking are still under development, the best solution in 2025 is to combine a CGM with a smartwatch. This gives you reliable, real-time glucose tracking right on your wrist. Be cautious with any smartwatch claiming to monitor glucose directly—always prioritize medically approved tools for your health.
