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A smartwatch that claims to measure glucose by itself is not a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM measures glucose with a wearable sensor; a compatible smartwatch may display the sensor’s readings and alerts. The distinction matters: the FDA warns consumers not to use watches or rings that claim to measure glucose independently.
What measures the glucose?
A CGM system uses a sensor worn on the body to measure glucose in bodily fluids continuously or frequently. Depending on the system, readings can be transmitted to a connected phone, receiver, or other supported display. The FDA’s device classifications describe CGMs as measurement systems, though intended use varies by device and classification: factory-calibrated integrated CGM systems and over-the-counter integrated CGMs for non-intensive monitoring.
A standalone watch claim is different: in its February 21, 2024 safety communication, the FDA said it had not authorized, cleared, or approved any smartwatch or smart ring intended to measure or estimate blood glucose on its own. The warning concerns independent glucose measurement, not every health feature on a smartwatch. Read the FDA safety communication.
What does a smartwatch do with CGM readings?
When a CGM supports smartwatch integration, the watch is a display for data measured by the CGM sensor; it does not become the sensor. For example, the FDA review for Dexcom G7 describes a wearable sensor and transmitter, with a mobile app or receiver as display options. It also documents an optional Direct to Watch feature for users with a compatible iPhone and Apple Watch. The watch app receives the sensor’s data. See the FDA review document for Dexcom G7.
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- HSA/FSA eligible. No prescription needed.
- 24/7 GLUCOSE TRACKING. See your glucose response to food, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle factors via the Lingo app.
- OPTIMIZE YOUR NUTRITION. Discover which foods work for you and those that don't. The Lingo app shows you how specific meals and other factors impact your glucose, so you can learn from your insights and build healthier habits
- NAVIGATE PREDIABETES WITH A NEW VIEW OF YOU. More time in healthy glucose range is linked to lower diabetes risk. Three out of four users with prediabetes say Lingo was effective in helping to achieve their health goals¹.
- HEALTHY GLUCOSE SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH. What you eat matters to your glucose and your heart. Keeping your glucose in a healthy range (70–140 mg/dL) more often can help protect your heart from heart disease²⁻⁴.
Compatibility is specific to the CGM system and feature. Check the manufacturer’s current instructions for supported phones, watches, operating systems, regions, and setup requirements. Support for one device, such as Dexcom G7’s documented feature, does not mean every CGM works with every smartwatch.
How does a glucose meter differ from a CGM?
A blood glucose meter provides an intermittent spot check rather than continuous or frequent sensor readings. FDA consumer guidance describes the usual method as a handheld meter and test strips used with a small blood sample. A meter, a CGM, and a smartwatch display therefore have distinct roles: the meter tests a sample, the CGM sensor collects ongoing readings, and a compatible watch can show CGM data. See the FDA’s Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices guidance.
Rank #2
- HSA/FSA eligible. No prescription needed.
- 24/7 GLUCOSE TRACKING. See your glucose response to food, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle factors via the Lingo app.
- OPTIMIZE YOUR NUTRITION. Discover which foods work for you and those that don't. The Lingo app shows you how specific meals and other factors impact your glucose, so you can learn from your insights and build healthier habits.
- NAVIGATE PREDIABETES WITH A NEW VIEW OF YOU. More time in healthy glucose range is linked to lower diabetes risk. Three out of four users with prediabetes say Lingo was effective in helping to achieve their health goals¹.
- HEALTHY GLUCOSE SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH. What you eat matters to your glucose and your heart. Keeping your glucose in a healthy range (70–140 mg/dL) more often can help protect your heart from heart disease²⁻⁴.
Why the difference is a safety issue
Glucose readings can guide decisions about diabetes treatment. The FDA warns that inaccurate measurements may lead to management errors, including incorrect doses of insulin or other medicines that can quickly lower glucose. Do not rely on a watch or ring that claims to measure glucose independently; use an appropriate FDA-authorized glucose-measuring device and consult a healthcare provider about medical decisions.
Quick Recap
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- The information below is per-pack only
- HSA/FSA eligible. No prescription needed.
- 24/7 GLUCOSE TRACKING. See your glucose response to food, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle factors via the Lingo app.
- OPTIMIZE YOUR NUTRITION. Discover which foods work for you and those that don't. The Lingo app shows you how specific meals and other factors impact your glucose, so you can learn from your insights and build healthier habits
- NAVIGATE PREDIABETES WITH A NEW VIEW OF YOU. More time in healthy glucose range is linked to lower diabetes risk. Three out of four users with prediabetes say Lingo was effective in helping to achieve their health goals¹.
Rank #3
- ✅ For people NOT using insulin, ages 18 years and older
- ❌ Don’t use if: On insulin, on dialysis, if you have problematic hypoglycemia, are modifying medication without HCP consultation, or if you have a history of eating disorders
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