Dexcom G7 now lets you monitor real-time blood sugar on Apple Watch

Starting today, Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) users will be able to monitor their blood sugar data in real time directly from an Apple Watch.

According to Dexcom’s statement, the Direct to Apple Watch feature was one of the most requested by users. Once paired with your Apple Watch, the G7 will use its own dedicated Bluetooth connection to send personalized glucose readings and alerts to your wrist. That is, you don’t need to take out your phone if you want to view your data, nor your phone to have be in your person. For example, G7 users will still be able to get real-time data while running/walking without a phone or if their phone is charging in a different room. Previously, the G7’s Apple Watch app allowed a watchface complication, but there was a three-hour delay in syncing 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 your 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 along with 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 in additional markets later this month, although Dexcom didn’t specify exactly which ones. People interested in the feature must 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 another step towards 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 in this technology, it’s still not likely we’ll see it anytime soon.) Along these lines, Dexcom also recently announced that it has obtained FDA clearance for the Stelo CGM, an over-the-counter device aimed at non-insulin-dependent patients with type 2 diabetes. The Stelo, which was presented at CES 2024, should be available this summer.