We've heard rumors about blood-sugar monitoring on the Apple Watch for years, and it's still probably a year or two out. Until then, your best bet may be a glucose-monitoring system from Dexcom, which now integrates with Apple's smartwatch.
The G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System is now compatible with the Apple Watch, the first continuous glucose monitoring device to achieve that feat. Users will be able to glance at their watches to see their glucose levels in real-time instead of having to pull out their smartphones. For now, the feature is out in the US, UK, and Ireland, although Dexcom says more markets will get the feature later this month.
In addition to glucose levels, Dexcom G7 users will be able to view other metrics that may have an impact on their blood sugar such as physical activity, sleep, and cycle tracking. It integrates directly with Apple's Health app and all of the data is available there. However, it is not as granular as the official app on the iPhone, so it won't replace the smartphone for those seeking in-depth stats. It's meant as more of an "at a glance" type of tool.
Users need to update the Dexcom G7 app to version 2.1 and have an Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 10 or later, and an iPhone running iOS 17 or later.
"Direct to Apple Watch has been one of our most requested features," says Dexcom EVP and COO Jake Leach. "We’ve long believed that people with diabetes should be able to view their CGM data where and how they choose. Direct to Apple Watch is a testament to that, allowing people with diabetes flexibility and choice in how they manage their health."
Apple has reportedly toyed with the idea of blood-glucose monitoring, with CEO Tim Cook spotted wearing a prototype glucose tracker on the Apple Watch back in 2017. According to rumors at the time, Apple had a team of biomedical engineers looking for a way to noninvasively and continuously monitor blood sugar levels to help better treat diabetes.
Nothing came of it, and companies like Dexcom probably hope it stays that way. Apple is also fighting for the right to use the existing blood oxygen sensor in its newer Apple Watches.