Updated: Mar 26, 2025

Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for individuals with diabetes, which has required frequent finger-prick tests or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) with separate sensors. However, new advancements in wearable technology have introduced glucose smartwatches, making blood sugar tracking more convenient and non-invasive. Find out more about these devices!

How Glucose Smartwatches Work

Unlike traditional CGMs that require a sensor inserted under the skin, glucose smartwatches use advanced sensors and optical technology to estimate blood sugar levels. Some devices rely on near-infrared spectroscopy, which measures glucose concentrations through the skin, while others use electrical and biochemical sensors to detect blood sugar trends. Although these watches do not replace medical-grade CGMs or finger-prick tests, they provide an accessible way to track glucose levels throughout the day.

Currently, most glucose smartwatches are designed to work alongside existing CGMs. For example, the Dexcom G7 and Freestyle Libre 3 CGMs integrate with smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, allowing users to view their real-time glucose readings on their wrists. These smartwatches do not measure glucose levels directly but sync with CGM apps via Bluetooth. More advanced models, such as the K’Watch Glucose from PKVitality, are being developed with built-in glucose monitoring capabilities, eliminating the need for a separate CGM device.

Best Glucose Smartwatches Available Today

Several smartwatches on the market offer glucose tracking features, either through CGM integration or emerging sensor technology.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are among the most popular choices for diabetes management. While these devices do not directly measure blood sugar, they can sync with CGMs like Dexcom and Freestyle Libre, displaying real-time glucose readings on the watch face. Apple is also reportedly working on non-invasive glucose monitoring for future models, making the Apple Watch a promising option for long-term diabetes management. More details about CGM compatibility can be found on Dexcom’s official site.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 offers similar functionality, allowing users to connect their CGMs via third-party apps. Samsung has also been researching non-invasive glucose monitoring using optical sensors, and future models may feature built-in glucose tracking. For updates on Samsung’s wearable health technology, visit Samsung’s website.

For those looking for dedicated glucose-tracking wearables, the K’Watch Glucose by PKVitality is one of the most anticipated smartwatches. Unlike standard smartwatches that rely on CGMs, this device is designed to monitor glucose levels directly using biosensor technology embedded in a replaceable patch. While not yet widely available, PKVitality is actively developing this smartwatch for commercial release. More information can be found at PKVitality’s website.

Advantages of Using a Glucose Smartwatch

One of the biggest benefits of using a glucose smartwatch is convenience. Traditional blood sugar monitoring methods often require multiple daily tests, which can be disruptive and uncomfortable. With a glucose smartwatch, users can check their levels with just a glance at their wrist, making it easier to track trends and respond to fluctuations in real time.

Another advantage is continuous tracking. Many CGMs that sync with smartwatches provide real-time glucose updates, allowing users to see how their levels change throughout the day. This is particularly helpful for identifying patterns related to diet, exercise, and sleep, enabling better decision-making for long-term health.

Smartwatches also offer customizable alerts and notifications. Users can set up alerts to warn them when glucose levels are too high or too low, reducing the risk of severe highs or lows. Some devices even offer predictive analytics, helping users anticipate potential glucose fluctuations before they happen.

For individuals with an active lifestyle, glucose smartwatches provide an additional layer of health monitoring. Many models come with fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, step counting, and sleep tracking. This makes them a valuable tool for managing overall health in addition to glucose levels.

Limitations and Considerations

While glucose smartwatches offer many benefits, they also have some limitations. The biggest challenge is accuracy. Non-invasive glucose monitoring is still in its early stages, and most smartwatches today require integration with a CGM rather than offering direct blood sugar readings. Although research is advancing rapidly, no FDA-approved smartwatch currently provides medical-grade glucose measurements without an external CGM.

Another concern is cost. Smartwatches that integrate with CGMs can be expensive, and CGM sensors themselves require regular replacement. While insurance may cover some of these costs, it’s important for users to check with their provider before purchasing a new device.

Battery life is another factor to consider. Because glucose tracking smartwatches rely on Bluetooth connections and advanced sensors, they often consume more power than standard smartwatches. This means users may need to charge their device daily, which can be inconvenient.

Future of Glucose Smartwatch Technology

The development of non-invasive glucose monitoring is one of the most exciting advancements in wearable health technology. Companies like Apple, Samsung, and PKVitality are actively researching ways to improve the accuracy and reliability of glucose-tracking smartwatches. If successful, these innovations could eliminate the need for finger-prick tests and CGMs, making blood sugar monitoring more accessible and painless.

Apple has reportedly been working on optical glucose sensing technology that could be integrated into future Apple Watch models. This would allow users to monitor their blood sugar levels without the need for external sensors. While this technology is still in development, it has the potential to revolutionize diabetes management. More details on Apple’s health innovations can be found at Apple’s official website.

Samsung is also exploring glucose tracking using Raman spectroscopy, a technique that measures glucose levels through the skin. If successful, this could allow future Samsung Galaxy Watches to provide glucose readings without requiring a separate CGM. Updates on Samsung’s research can be followed on their Samsung Newsroom.

Should You Get a Glucose Smartwatch?

For individuals who already use a CGM, a glucose smartwatch can be a valuable addition to their health management routine. These devices provide easier access to blood sugar data, allowing for real-time monitoring and more informed decision-making. Those considering a smartwatch for glucose tracking should ensure that their chosen device is compatible with their CGM system.

For those without a CGM, it may be worth waiting for more advanced non-invasive glucose monitoring technology to become widely available. While current smartwatches offer many benefits, they still rely on external sensors for accurate readings. As research progresses, future models may offer direct glucose tracking, making them an even more powerful tool for diabetes management.

Final Thoughts

Glucose smartwatches are changing the way people manage their blood sugar, offering a more convenient and continuous way to track glucose levels. While current models still require integration with CGMs, future advancements in non-invasive monitoring could make smartwatches an essential tool for diabetes care. Whether using an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or an upcoming device like the K’Watch Glucose, these wearables provide valuable insights that can help individuals make better health decisions. As technology continues to improve, glucose smartwatches may soon become a standard tool for blood sugar management, making life easier for millions of people worldwide.