Fitbit already gives you the power to monitor your heart health, stress, and blood oxygen levels on some of these watches. Now the company is looking at blood glucosemonitoring with a new feature in the Fitbit app.
The addition is good news for people with diabetes, as well as anyone with a medical condition who may need to monitor their blood sugar. But to be clear, this is not a non-invasive alternative to pricking your finger with a glucometer. This is a software update that allows users to record or import their blood sugar levels, then see how they relate to other health metrics such as sleep, exercise, and food over time. The app also allows users to set personalized ranges so they can potentially identify other factors that could affect their blood sugar. You can also turn on reminders on the wrist to record your blood sugar.
Fitbit Premium users will get a few more perks like see how often their glucose levels fall within a target range each month and other data trends. Premium users also get the option to share their blood glucose data through Fitbit’s Wellness Report feature.
While users can log their measurements manually, Fitbit says anyone using LifeScan’s OneTouch Reveal app can also automatically import their data. The company says it plans to integrate with other meters and apps soon. To turn the feature on, go to the Discover tab of the Fitbit app, tap Health & Fitness Stats, and add blood glucose. (If you don’t see it there yet, you may have to wait a while as Fitbit says the feature is rolling out this month.)
G / O Media can receive a commission
More generally, it appears that blood glucosemonitoring may well be the next big thing in health technology. Rumor has it that both Apple and Samsung are working on ways to noninvasively control blood sugar their next smartwatches. We also saw a noninvasive blood glucosemonitoring smartwatch prototype this year’s CES. These are definitely more ambitious than what Fitbit currently offers, but those watches may never see the light of day. A device that reports blood sugar levels inaccurately could be much more life-threatening than, say, a shaky EKG reading these suggested devices will also require FDA approval before they hit the market.
Fitbit’s function does not require FDA approval because it is strictly a tool to help you monitor your data. That said, it does come with a disclaimer: This is not a substitute for a proper diagnosis from your doctor, nor is it something you should base your treatment on without talking to a doctor.
Fitbit is also making its health features accessible to more users by expanding access to its Health Metrics dashboard. The feature was introduced last fall with the Sense and Versa 3, but is now available to Versa 2, Inspire 2 and Charge 4 users, although you’ll be limited to the trends of the past week. Just like blood glucose measurement, Fitbit Premium members will get the opportunity to see personal ranges within that dashboard as well. Charge 4 users will also get a little SpO2 treat in an upcoming update that allows them to see readings right on the wrist; they can also view SpO2 and skin temperature data in the dashboard. Meanwhile, Fitbit Sense users in Canada, New Zealand, and US territories will also get the EKG app this month.