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Garmin devices can now track diabetic glucose levels without a hacky workaround
- Garmin has released a new Dexcom app to the Connect IQ store.
- People with diabetes who own a Dexcom G6 CGM will be able to see their real-time blood glucose levels on their compatible Garmin devices.
- People with diabetes looking to track their numbers should no longer need to use the unofficial (and sometimes unreliable) Dexcom Garmin app.
Those living without diabetes might be surprised to hear that diabetic technology is developed at the rate of molasses. Depending on the company that makes your diabetic hardware, you’ll either have a fully connected ecosystem of devices that can track your blood glucose levels, or you’re a Medtronic customer.
Garmin has good news for those who fall into the Dexcom camp. Starting today, you can download an official Dexcom app from Garmin’s Connect IQ store. This will allow Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics to track their blood glucose levels directly on their compatible Garmin watch or cycling computer.
Once everything is set up and working properly, you can check your real-time blood glucose levels, trend direction, and three-hour history on your Garmin device. You can even see levels and trends during workouts right next to your performance data. This integration will be invaluable for people with diabetes who need to keep a close eye on their numbers during exercises.
The full list of compatible Garmin devices is as follows:
- Fenix 6S Pro and Sapphire
- Fenix 6 Pro and Sapphire
- Fenix 6X Pro and Sapphire
- Fenix 6 Solar series
- Vivoactive 4 series
- MARQ series
- Venu Sq Music and Venu 2 series
- Forerunner 245 Music
- Forerunner 745
- Forerunner 945/LTE
- Quatix 6 series
- Tactix Delta series
- Edge 530
- Edge 830
- Edge 1030/Plus
Also read: The best Garmin running watches you can buy
Garmin says support is coming soon for the base model Fenix 6, Fenix 6S, Venu, Venu Sq, Legacy series, Forerunner 245, and Enduro. Also, Edge devices are only compatible with the Dexcom data field.
There are a few other limitations. The new app is only compatible with the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM), so older CGMs won’t work. You’ll also still need to keep your smartphone nearby and connected via Bluetooth for your readings to sync with your Garmin device. Of course, this news only applies to Dexcom users. Those with Medtronic/Guardian, Freestyle Libre, Senseonics/Eversense devices won’t be able to use the app.
This official app is a long time coming. For years, people with diabetes who have wanted to track their levels on their Garmin device have had to use a hacky third-party application. When you’re dealing with something as crucial as glucose levels, you need a reliable app. Hopefully, Garmin will be able to bring support for even more CGMs in the future. For now, this is a good start.