Starting today, Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) users will be able to monitor their real-time blood sugar data straight from an Apple Watch.
According to Dexcom’s press release, the Direct to Apple Watch feature was one of the most requested by users. Once paired to the Apple Watch, the G7 will use its own dedicated Bluetooth connection to send both glucose readings and personalized alerts to the wrist. Meaning, you don’t have to whip out your phone if you want to view your data, nor does your phone have to be on your person. For instance, G7 users will still be able to get real-time data while on a phone-free run / walk or if your phone is charging in a different room. Previously, the G7’s Apple Watch app allowed you to have a watchface complication, but there was a three-hour delay with synced data.
This is more of a secondary way to view data and receive alerts, not a replacement for your smartphone or Dexcom receiver. You still need a compatible iPhone to initially set up the G7 CGM and pair it with the Apple Watch. Sharing data with family and friends also requires your phone to be within 20 feet of range. You’ll also need your phone if you want a more holistic view of your blood glucose data alongside other metrics (e.g., activity, menstrual cycles, sleep, etc.) in the Apple Health app.
At launch, the Direct to Apple Watch feature will be available in the US, UK, and Ireland. The feature will roll out to additional markets later this month, though Dexcom didn’t specify exactly which. Folks interested in the feature should update the Dexcom G7 app to version 2.1 and will need at least an Apple Watch Series 6 running watchOS 10 or later. They must also have an iPhone running iOS 17 or later.
It’s important to note that this feature is more a step in making existing CGMs more convenient to use, rather than making smartwatches a standalone, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring tool. (While many companies are actively investing that tech, it’s still not likely we’ll see it anytime soon.) Along that vein, Dexcom also recently announced it got FDA clearance for the Stelo CGM, an over-the-counter device geared toward non-insulin dependent, Type 2 diabetes patients. The Stelo, which was introduced at CES 2024, is expected to be available later this summer.