Smartwatches That Monitor Blood Sugar: Do They Really Work?

The idea of tracking blood sugar through a smartwatch sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie—but in recent years, it's become a hot topic in the world of wearable tech and diabetes management. With millions of people living with diabetes or prediabetes, the convenience of non-invasive blood sugar monitoring is incredibly appealing. But are smartwatches really capable of replacing traditional finger pricks or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)? Let’s dive into the facts.

The Promise of Blood Sugar Smartwatches

Imagine checking your blood glucose levels with a quick glance at your wrist—no needles, no test strips, no sensors attached to your skin. That’s the promise behind smartwatches that claim to monitor blood sugar. The goal is to offer a painless, real-time glimpse into your glucose trends using advanced technology like optical sensors, infrared spectroscopy, or even sweat analysis.

These devices are often marketed as helpful tools for people with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or those simply trying to stay on top of their metabolic health. But how close are we to this becoming an everyday reality?

What’s Currently Available?

While several companies are racing to perfect smartwatch-based glucose tracking, no major smartwatch currently offers FDA-approved, non-invasive blood sugar monitoring. However, there are some promising developments and partial solutions on the market:

1. Apple Watch (with CGM Integration)

The Apple Watch itself doesn't monitor glucose levels directly, but it can integrate with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) like the Dexcom G6 or Freestyle Libre via third-party apps. This means you can still view your blood sugar data on your wrist—but it requires a separate sensor and transmitter.

2. Fitbit & Google

There have been rumors and research efforts around Fitbit developing non-invasive glucose tracking capabilities, especially after the Google acquisition. While promising, these features have not yet made it to the consumer market.

3. Ultrahuman Ring AIR & Other Biohack Wearables

Some emerging wearables, like the Ultrahuman Ring or Biowear smart bands, are beginning to provide blood sugar trend insights through skin temperature and other metabolic markers, though they aren’t clinically accurate for diabetes monitoring—yet.

4. Health Tracking Smartwatches

Some lesser-known brands advertise blood sugar monitoring via optical sensors, but their accuracy is questionable, and they aren’t approved for medical use. These watches may show a number on the screen, but it's not the same as a glucose reading confirmed by lab testing or CGMs.

The Technology Challenge

Monitoring glucose without breaking the skin is incredibly difficult. Most reliable glucose measurements come from interstitial fluid or blood—neither of which are easy to assess non-invasively.

Manufacturers are experimenting with methods like:

• Infrared or Raman spectroscopy: Shining light through the skin to detect glucose levels

• Bioimpedance sensors: Measuring how electrical currents interact with glucose in body tissues

• Sweat or tear analysis: Using fluid markers to estimate blood sugar

But these methods are still in development and face challenges with accuracy, consistency, and personalization.

So, Do They Really Work?

Short answer: not yet—not in the way most people hope.

While some smartwatches can display blood sugar readings from compatible devices like Dexcom, there is no standalone smartwatch currently capable of accurately and consistently tracking blood sugar without a separate sensor.

That said, tech companies are investing heavily in this space. With giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google exploring glucose monitoring, a breakthrough could be on the horizon. Experts believe the first viable non-invasive blood sugar smartwatch could emerge in the next few years—but it will need to pass rigorous clinical testing and regulatory hurdles before it’s widely available.

What Can You Use Instead Right Now?

If you’re looking for smartwatch integration and real-time blood sugar data today, your best option is to combine a CGM system with a compatible smartwatch. Here are some highly rated options:

• Dexcom G6 + Apple Watch (via Dexcom app)

• Freestyle Libre 2 or 3 + Android Smartwatch (with third-party apps)

• Eversense CGM (an implantable CGM that pairs with your phone and can sync with wearables)

Final Thoughts

The idea of a smartwatch that monitors your blood sugar in real time—without finger pricks or sensors—remains a dream for many. While the technology isn’t quite there yet, the progress being made is exciting. For now, if you’re managing diabetes or monitoring glucose trends, pairing a CGM with a smartwatch is your most accurate and accessible option.

As the field of wearable health tech evolves, it’s worth keeping an eye on these innovations. In the near future, you may just be able to ditch the needle and check your glucose with a glance at your wrist.