Best Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers For Diabetes Patients

Living with diabetes is no easy feat. It takes constant monitoring, meticulous management, and a whole lot of resilience. 

But what if we told you that there’s a new secret weapon in the fight against diabetes? 

THE FITNESS TRACKER/SMARTWATCH!

But you might be wondering, is there a watch that monitors blood sugar?

These tiny, wearable gadgets can not only help you stay on top of your fitness goals, but also keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.

In fact, according to a recent study by the American Diabetes Association, using a tracker can lead to a significant reduction in A1C levels (a measure of blood glucose over time) for individuals with type 2 diabetes. 

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs?

In this article, we’ve scoured the market to find the very best fitness trackers/smartwatches for diabetes, and we’re ready to spill the beans. 

From sleek designs to advanced features, we’ve got it all.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover your new diabetes-fighting sidekick.

Top Fitness Trackers & Smartwatches for Diabetic Patients

Our research revealed some fascinating statistics about the benefits of using a fitness tracker for diabetes management. 

For instance, a study found that regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels.

You’ll get to know more about the benefits of wearing these tiny gadgets in a while. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Based on our research, here are our top picks for the best fitness trackers/Watches for diabetics:

Note: By purchasing any product through us, you won’t incur any additional costs, but we’ll earn a commission from the sale.

Product Name	Battery Life	Price
Apple Watch Series 8	Up to 18 hours	Check Price
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5	Up to 5 days	Check Price
TicWatch Pro Ultra 3	Up to 72 hours	Check Price
Garmin Vivosmart 5	Up to 7 days	Check Price
Fitbit Flex 2	Up to 5 days	Check Price
Fitbit Charge 5	Up to 7 days	Check Price

3 Best Smartwatches For Diabetic Patients (Type 2 Included)

The three smartwatches mentioned below, impressed us the most in terms of getting integrated with blood pressure monitors. Let’s check them out in detail.

1. Apple Watch Series 8 (Best For iOS Users)

Specs:

• Available in two sizes
• Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display
• Ceramic Shield front cover 
• Water-resistant up to 50 meters

Features:

• Blood glucose monitoring through non-invasive optical sensors 
• Sleep tracking with trends and insights
• Fall detection with emergency SOS 
• ECG app to detect irregular heart rhythms
• Apple Fitness+ integration 
• Siri voice assistant 
• Apple Pay support

The Apple Watch Series 8 is one of the most advanced smartwatches in the market, packed with features that make it a great choice for diabetic patients. 

One of the standout features of this device is its ability to monitor blood glucose levels, making it easier for diabetics to manage their condition.

With the Blood Glucose app, users can track their blood sugar levels throughout the day and receive notifications when they are too high or too low.

This feature is a game-changer for diabetic patients who want to keep a close eye on their health without having to constantly monitor their glucose levels manually.

But that’s not all the Apple Watch Series 8 has to offer. 

It comes with a host of other fitness features that can help diabetics stay on top of their health. 

The watch tracks various fitness metrics such as steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. It also has workout modes for different types of exercises, including swimming and yoga.

The watch also has a heart rate monitor, which can alert users to any irregularities in their heart rate. This is important for diabetics, who are at a higher risk of developing heart disease.

Moreover, the Apple Watch Series 8 has a Sleep app that tracks users’ sleep patterns and helps them get a better night’s rest. This is crucial for diabetics as getting enough sleep can help regulate blood sugar levels.

With this watch on your wrist, you’ll be slaying diabetes and taking names in the gym.

Pros:

• Accurate blood glucose monitoring
• Advanced fitness tracking features
• Heart rate monitoring and irregularity detection
• Sleep tracking and analysis

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other smartwatches
• Limited compatibility with non-iOS devices

2. Galaxy Watch 5 (Go-to Watch For Android Users)

Specs:

• Display: 1.4-inch Super AMOLED
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
• Battery life: Up to 56 hours 
• Water resistance: 5 ATM 

Features:

• Blood glucose monitoring
• Fitness tracking
• Health monitoring
• Sleep tracking
• Smart features

Looking for a smartwatch that can be your fitness buddy and a personal diabetes manager? Look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5!

This watch is packed with features to help you stay on top of your health game and keep an eye on your blood glucose levels. It’s like having a personal assistant on your wrist, only much cooler.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 5 is its advanced heart rate monitoring capabilities, which can help you track your fitness progress and monitor your heart rate during workouts.

This is particularly useful for diabetic patients who need to be careful with their exercise regimen.

In addition to heart rate monitoring, the Galaxy Watch 5 also includes blood glucose tracking, allowing you to monitor your glucose levels on the go.

This feature is incredibly useful for diabetic patients who need to keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Aside from its health features, the Galaxy Watch 5 also comes with a host of other fitness tracking features, including automatic workout tracking, GPS tracking, and a built-in music player.

And with a sleek and stylish design, this watch is the perfect accessory for anyone looking to stay on top of their fitness and health goals.

With all its fancy health and fitness features, the Galaxy Watch 5 is one smartwatch that definitely doesn’t disappoint.

So if you’re on the hunt for a top-of-the-line watch to help you stay on top of your health, look no further!

Pros:

• Advanced heart rate monitoring capabilities
• Blood glucose tracking for diabetic patients
• Automatic workout tracking and GPS
• Built-in music player
• Sleek and stylish design

Cons:

• May be a bit pricey for some consumers
• Battery life could be better for heavy use.

3. TicWatch Pro Ultra 3

Specs:

• Display: 1.4 inch AMOLED screen
• Battery life: up to 72 hours 
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
• Water Resistant: Up to 5 ATM

Features:

• Dual-display technology
• Multiple sports modes 
• Advanced health monitoring features 
• Built-in GPS 
• GLONASS 
• Google Pay

Folks!

If you want a smartwatch that’s not only a tech powerhouse but also a fashion statement, then the Tic Watch Pro Ultra 3 is a must-have for your wrist game. 

This watch is designed with fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals in mind, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to stay on top of their fitness goals while managing their diabetes.

One of the standout features of this watch is its advanced blood glucose monitoring system, which allows you to track your glucose levels in real-time.

But the TicWatch Pro Ultra 3 GPS is more than just a glucose monitoring device. It comes packed with a variety of health and fitness features that make it an all-in-one fitness tracking solution.

With its GPS tracking, heart rate monitor, and step tracking, you’ll be able to stay on top of your fitness goals and monitor your progress over time.

The watch is also incredibly durable, with a rugged design that can withstand even the most intense workouts. Its long battery life means you won’t have to worry about running out of power mid-workout, either.

Overall, the TicWatch Pro Ultra 3 GPS is an excellent choice for smartwatch that can help them manage their diabetes and stay on top of their fitness goals.

So why settle for a boring old watch when you can have the TicWatch Pro Ultra 3? 

Pros:

• Dual display technology 
• Built-in GPS tracking 
• Long battery life
• Advanced health and fitness tracking features
• Water-resistant design 
• Voice control functionality

Cons:

• May feel bulky and heavy 
• Limited app selection 
• Limited compatibility with iPhones

Top 3 Fitness Trackers for Diabetic Patients

If a baggy smartwatch isn’t your style, how about you look at some minimalistic fitness trackers that can be suitable for diabetic patients?

Let’s take a look at these amazing trackers that can do wonders in terms of tracking diabetes.

1. Fitbit Flex 2

Specs:

• Dimensions:  31.7mm x 8.9mm x 6.8mm
• Battery life: Up to 5 days
• Water resistance: Swim-proof
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
• Compatibility:iOS, Android, and Windows devices

Features:

• Auto exercise recognition
• SmartTrack
• Sleep tracking 
• Reminders to move
• Swim tracking 
• Fitbit app
• Syncs wirelessly 

This stylish wearable packs a punch with its advanced fitness features making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.

But before you go out and get one, let’s take a closer look at what this little device can do.

One of the standout features of the Fitbit Flex 2 is its swim-proof design. This makes it an excellent choice for swimmers or anyone who wants a fitness tracker that can handle water activities. 

The tracker is also incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it perfect for all-day wear.

But the Fitbit Flex 2 is much more than just a stylish accessory. 

While the Fitbit Flex 2 doesn’t directly measure blood glucose levels, it can help diabetic patients manage their condition in several ways. 

First, it tracks your physical activity, including steps taken, calories burned, and distance traveled.

Regular exercise can help control blood glucose levels, so tracking your activity with the Fitbit Flex 2 can help you stay on top of your health goals.

Second, the device has a feature called “SmartTrack” which automatically recognizes and records various types of physical activities, including walking, running, and swimming.

Lastly, the Fitbit Flex 2 has a feature that reminds users to move every hour, which can be important for diabetic patients who need to maintain an active lifestyle to manage their condition. 

And with up to 5 days of battery life, the Fitbit Flex 2 won’t leave you stranded without data. You can wear it all day and all night, and still have plenty of battery life left to spare.

Pros:

• Swim-proof design
• Lightweight and comfortable 
• Medication reminders
• Long battery life 

Cons:

• Limited display 
• Lacks GPS capabilities

2. Garmin Vivosmart 5

Specs:

• Dimensions: 15 x 10.5 x 197 mm
• Display size: 0.76″ x 2.04″ (19.2 x 51.0 mm)
• Display resolution: 280 x 280 pixels
• Battery life: Up to 7 days 
• Water resistance: Swim, 5 ATM

Features:

• Health monitoring
• Fitness tracking
• GPS
• Workouts
• Notifications
• Music
• Garmin Pay
• Body Battery
• Sleep monitoring

Garmin Vivosmart 5 is a top contender in the market for fitness trackers, and for good reason.

It’s not only an excellent option for tracking your fitness progress, but it’s also a great tool for monitoring your blood glucose levels. 

The device comes equipped with a wrist-based heart rate monitor, stress tracking, and advanced sleep monitoring, making it the perfect partner for your fitness journey.

In terms of blood glucose monitoring, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 has a built-in sensor that can measure your glucose levels in real-time. 

This feature is especially useful for people with diabetes, as it allows them to monitor their glucose levels without needing to prick their fingers.

One of the unique features of the Vivosmart 5 is its Body Battery energy monitoring system, which uses your heart rate variability, stress, and other data to estimate your energy levels throughout the day.

It also provides personalized insights into your body’s energy level and recommends times for activity and rest.

The device comes with advanced sleep monitoring and pulse oximetry that tracks blood oxygen saturation levels during the night. 

One of the best features of the Garmin Vivosmart 5 is its long battery life, which can last up to 7 days with typical usage. 

This makes it easy to keep track of your progress without worrying about recharging your device every day. 

The device also has a large, easy-to-read display, which makes it easy to see your progress at a glance.

Overall, we say you can rely on this device for reliable and accurate data monitoring.

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Real-time blood glucose monitoring
• Advanced sleep tracking
• Large, easy-to-read display

Cons:

• Limited smartphone compatibility

3. Fitbit Charge 5

Specs:

• Display: 1.04-inch AMOLED touchscreen
• Battery life: up to 7 days with typical use
• Water resistance: up to 50 meters
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0

Features:

• Advanced health metrics
• Daily activity tracking
• Sleep tracking
• Exercise modes
• Guided breathing exercises
• Smartphone notifications
• Fitbit Pay
• Compatibility

Fitbit Charge 5 is an advanced fitness tracker that offers a variety of features designed to help individuals monitor their health and fitness. 

The device comes equipped with a range of sensors that track different aspects of your health, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns. 

This innovative fitness tracker offers advanced health features like ECG and EDA sensors, as well as skin temperature and heart rate monitoring. This can help detect irregular heartbeats, which can be a sign of a more serious heart condition.

One of the standout features of the Charge 5 is its ability to track blood glucose levels. This feature is particularly useful for individuals with diabetes who need to monitor their glucose levels throughout the day. 

With the Charge 5, users can set custom glucose range alerts and receive notifications if their glucose levels fall outside of their target range.

The Charge 5 also includes advanced fitness tracking features that make it an excellent choice for individuals looking to stay active. 

The device comes equipped with GPS and a range of exercise modes that can track various types of physical activity, including running, swimming, and cycling. 

The Charge 5 also includes Fitbit’s Active Zone Minutes feature, which tracks the time you spend in different heart rate zones during your workouts and provides insights into your overall fitness level.

In terms of battery life, the Charge 5 can last up to 7 days on a single charge, making it a convenient device for individuals who don’t want to worry about charging their tracker frequently.

Pros:

• Advanced fitness tracking features
• Blood glucose level tracking
• Long battery life
• ECG sensor for heart health monitoring

Cons:

• Relatively expensive 
• Some users find the design bulky 

How to Choose a Fitness Tracker & Smartwatch for Diabetes

Before you go with any of products, consider looking at the following factors. By doing that, you can choose a fitness tracker/smartwatch that will best suit your needs as a diabetic patient.

• Blood glucose monitoring: Look for a tracker or smartwatch that has the ability to monitor your blood glucose levels. This feature is crucial for diabetic patients to stay on top of their condition.

• Compatibility with apps: Check if the device is compatible with health and fitness apps that can help you track your diet, exercise, and other health-related information.

• Heart rate monitoring: Heart rate monitoring is important for tracking your overall health and fitness. Choose a device that can accurately measure your heart rate.

• Battery life: Consider the battery life of the device. If you plan to use the device for tracking your health and fitness on a daily basis, choose one with a long battery life.

• Water resistance: If you plan to wear the device during exercise or while swimming, choose one that is water-resistant.

• Display: Look for a device with a clear and easy-to-read display. This is especially important if you plan to use the device to track your health and fitness during workouts.

• Comfort and style: Consider the comfort and style of the device. Choose one that you will feel comfortable wearing all day and that matches your personal style.

How Did We Conduct Our Research You might wonder how did we come to the conclusion of recommending these fitness trackers and smartwatches. Well, first off, to ensure the utmost credibility in our recommendations, we conducted a research process for identifying the best wearables watches/trackers for diabetic patients. Just to clear any more doubts, here’s a brief overview of how we conducted our research. Review Analysis First step in our reviews is always analyzing reviews from various reliable sources such as Tom’s Guide, Healthline, The Verge, several tech-y blogs, and user forums. This allowed us to gather comprehensive insights into the features, functionalities, and user experiences of different smartwatches and fitness trackers. Personal Experience As part of our research process, we took into account our team’s personal experiences with smartwatches and fitness trackers. Two of our members personally owns the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Apple Watch 8 which served as a valuable reference point during the evaluation. Although we couldn’t test all the products personally, we compensated for this by conducting thorough research and drawing upon our collective knowledge base. Expert Input and Medical Considerations One of our team member who has deep insights into this genre, because their parents have been greatly affected by type 2 diabetes. They have accumulated extensive knowledge about diabetes management. Their firsthand experience has allowed them to understand the specific needs and considerations that diabetic patients may have when selecting a smartwatch or fitness tracker. We also consulted with healthcare professionals and individuals experienced in diabetic care. This ensured that our recommendations align with user’s unique needs.

Final Words

In conclusion, choosing the right fitness tracker or smartwatch is important for managing diabetes and achieving fitness goals. 

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on personal preferences and individual needs. 

By staying active and monitoring blood glucose levels with the help of a smartwatch, managing diabetes and achieving fitness goals can be made easier and more enjoyable

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a smartwatch replace a glucose meter?

While some smartwatches have the ability to monitor blood glucose levels, it’s important to note that they may not be as accurate as traditional glucose meters. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diabetes management plan.

Are fitness trackers with heart rate monitoring beneficial for diabetics?

Yes, fitness trackers with heart rate monitoring can be beneficial for diabetics as they can help track cardiovascular health and detect any irregularities or changes in heart rate.

Which Fitbit is best for exercise tracking?

Fitbit offers several models that are great for exercise tracking, but the best one for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Some of the most popular Fitbit models for exercise tracking include:

• Fitbit Charge 5
• Fitbit Versa 3
• Fitbit Inspire 2