4 Tips for Keeping CGM Readings at a Glance
Here's how to stay on top of your blood sugar, wherever you are, without reaching for your phone.
One of the great things about continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is the ability to quickly see your blood sugar levels — and where they’re headed. But it’s not always practical to pull out your phone, especially when driving, resting, or in the middle of a meeting or conversation.
I'm a longtime CGM user, and I find being able to quickly glance and see my numbers instead of unlocking my phone each time saves time and feels less burdensome.
Fortunately, there are several tips and tools that make it easier to keep your CGM data visible wherever you are.
1. CarPlay and Android Auto
When driving, using a watch or phone to see readings can be awkward at best and a dangerous road distraction at worst. The Gluroo app for Apple and Android phones has cleverly created a way to make CGM readings appear at eye level while driving, using Apple CarPlay, which is available in many vehicles.
It may sound odd, but the readings appear on the Calendar app in CarPlay. (The reason? Apple is particular about what can be displayed in apps, and this is a clever workaround used by a handful of diabetes tech apps). Gluroo essentially creates a Calendar item every few minutes which then shows your latest blood sugar reading. (See photo at top right and you'll get the idea).
For those who prefer Android Auto, a free app called GlucoDataHandler can display CGM readings in your car. The app supports Freestyle Libre, Dexcom, and Nightscout users.
Note, if you use the handy Sugarmate app, another CGM dashboard, it can also display your readings on the Calendar app in CarPlay (Dexcom and iPhone only, however). For detailed steps check out Justin Eastze of Diabetech's walkthrough video.
2. SugarPixel
I've grown to rely on this compact device that displays my latest CGM reading on my nightstand. The clear, lighted screen of the SugarPixel shows the current glucose level, trend arrows, and alerts. The $99 display looks like a small alarm clock and comes with a silver dollar-sized "puck" that will vibrate (for example, under a pillow) to alert you of low or high blood sugar, instead of an audio alarm, if you prefer. It’s simple to set up and easy to see in the dark or from across a room during the day.
3. Smartphone or tablet
As my family has upgraded our smartphones over the years, we have a kitchen drawer full of older devices that still connect to Wi-Fi just fine. A previous-generation smartphone or tablet, combined with an inexpensive phone stand (typically less than $10 online), and you're in business.
You can use the apps that come with Abbott's Freestyle Libre and Dexcom CGM systems, or the open-source tool Nightscout, to create a real-time blood sugar dashboard. A number of third-party apps can also show readings while the phone is locked.
I prefer the size of a smartphone, plugged into an outlet, for this job. Apple devices have a display setting to stay awake, if needed; Android users can use an app.
Place it on a stand in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, or at your desk, and your numbers stay visible without needing to wake your phone.
4. SweetDreams for Apple Watch
In some situations, like meetings, workouts, and errands, a quick look at your watch is easier and more discreet than reaching for your phone. The SweetDreams app makes it simple to view blood sugar readings on an Apple Watch for Abbott Freestyle Libre users. For Dexcom users, the G6 and G7 apps will display readings on the watch – the G7 app can work without a phone nearby for newer Apple watches.
The bottom line
At home, at work, or on the road, there are simple and subtle ways to keep your blood sugar levels visible – without unlocking your phone. Dedicated displays can help, as well as spare devices, smartwatches, and your car’s dashboard.
These options let your phone stay where it is, while providing you an easy, private way to glance at your CGM readings whenever and wherever you need them.
Learn more about continuous glucose monitoring here: