Blog - Diabetes Management
Can I check my blood sugar with my Android phone app?
If you use a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, you may be able to view your glucose readings on a CGM receiver or a dedicated Android diabetes app, depending on compatibility.
Dexcom CGM systems can automatically deliver glucose readings in real-time and display your glucose levels on a compatible Android diabetes app, alerting you if your glucose levels go too high or too low.
Benefits of using your Android with a Dexcom CGM system
Supporting people with diabetes, a Dexcom CGM system can provide glucose readings every five minutes, displayed on the associated Dexcom diabetes Android app. As your results are continually updated, you can effectively track changes to your glucose levels and make accurate, informed decisions about your diabetes management.
Glucose updates in real time
Supporting people with diabetes, a Dexcom CGM system can provide glucose readings every five minutes, displayed on the associated Dexcom diabetes Android app. As your results are continually updated, you can effectively track changes to your glucose levels and make accurate, informed decisions about your diabetes management.
Customise your alerts
Dexcom CGM systems include a range of alert functions that can be tailored to your everyday routine, giving you the confidence throughout the day, and allowing you to identify changes to your glucose levels. These alerts can be displayed on the diabetes Android app associated with your Dexcom system.
Here are some of the sophisticated alert features for the Dexcom CGM systems:
Urgent Low Soon Alert: A feature of Dexcom G6 and G7, users receive a 20-minute advance warning when the glucose readings will reach 3.1 mmol/L. That allows for quick action and can reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia.1
Delay First Alert: A feature of Dexcom G7 and Dexcom ONE. You can delay for a certain time when you receive High Alerts to make alerts more actionable. Consult with your diabetes consultant for the best delay time for you.
Silent Mode: A sole feature of Dexcom G7, Silent Mode is suited to those with busy work schedules or wish to not be interrupted for up to six hours, with a range of customisable options available.
Alert Schedule: A feature of Dexcom G6 and G7 CGM, users can customise their CGM to factor in lazy weekends or late nights and schedule the creation of additional alerts for further support during specific periods.
The Dexcom G7 CGM System also allows users to add an additional person to an account, so they are also informed if your glucose goes beyond a set parameter.
Access to Samsung Health and Google Fit
The Dexcom G6 and G7 Android app are compatible with both Samsung Health and Google Fit, allowing your glucose data to be shared to these third-party apps. However, while glucose readings can be sent to both apps, there is a three-hour delay for this data to be displayed.
Whether you use these apps to improve your physical fitness and diet or even track your sleep to improve your energy levels, a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing supports effective diabetes management.
To enable your Google Fit, or Samsung Health app, users must be using the Dexcom G6 app version 1.4.0 or higher. You can allow glucose data sharing from the Dexcom G6 app to the Google or Samsung health apps in just a few easy steps.
Compatibility
There are a number of Android devices, including a compatible smartwatch that can be paired with Dexcom CGM systems using a Dexcom diabetes app. Please visit the compatibility page to check if you device is supported:
For a list of compatible devices, visit www.dexcom.com/en-GB/compatibility.
Dexcom G6
Dexcom G7
Dexcom ONE
Why use your smartphone to support your diabetes management?
Pairing your diabetes Android app with a Dexcom CGM system will give you greater confidence to monitor and manage your glucose levels and create a routine that is tailored solely to your needs.
Dexcom CGM systems deliver ultimate flexibility and convenience for all users: those repeatedly on the go, parents with young children, elderly users who may need additional support, those who have recently been diagnosed, and even those with longstanding diabetes.
Create a support network
Building a close support network can boost your confidence, provide greater independence to those who may need it and allow for a greater peace of mind – knowing that others can remain aware of your overall wellbeing3 and reduce the risk of hypoglycaemic events.
For those using Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7, the Dexcom Follow Android app enables you to share glucose data with up to 10 people of your choice.§ Data has even revealed that those who use Dexcom Follow correlate with those who spend more time spent in range and have resulted in improvements to average glucose control (A1C levels).4,6,7,8
Customised glucose management
Managing your diabetes can be complicated and time consuming, but the diabetes Android app, Dexcom Clarity, can do the hard work for you.
Using Dexcom Clarity,** you can get weekly notifications‖, track your glucose levels, build bespoke glucose data reports, and routinely monitor your time in range. Illustrative graphs can display visible trends or fluctuations of your glucose levels in real time – revealing potential hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia patterns and transforming your existing diabetes management.5
Other apps to support your diabetes management
Supporting your everyday diabetes management, Dexcom CGM apps for Android devices can complement various third-party health apps on the market by:
- Enabling users to access various healthcare services
- Gaining additional information around diabetes symptoms
- Ordering repeat prescriptions
- Booking medical appointments
- Self-referring to a range of healthcare services.
Find out more information regarding Digital Health apps which connect with Dexcom CGM. These can be used alongside your CGM system and diabetes phone app to support a healthy lifestyle, such as creating healthy meal plans and learning how food will impact your glucose levels, in the short-term and long-term. Apps that track your physical activity can also enable you to set customised targets and increase your general fitness. A healthy diet and upping your physical activity to up to 150 hours a week9 can also help to keep your glucose levels in range.
Additionally, there are many Android apps can allow you to:
- Get tailored support from diabetes specialists and peers
- Share your health and wellbeing journey and subsequent progress with friends and family
- Enter monthly challenges and set health goals
- Discover new places to explore
Discover the differences between Dexcom ONE, Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 for T1D or T2D so you can choose the right continuous glucose monitor for you.
References and Footnotes
* Finger pricks may be required when symptoms or expectations do not match CGM readings.
† If your glucose alerts and readings from Dexcom CGM do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
‡ Dexcom G6 is compatible with a selection of insulin pumps, including the Tandem t:slim and CamAPS FX.
§ Internet connectivity required for data sharing. Following requires the use of the Follow App. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G6 App or Receiver before making treatment decisions.
‖ Notifications and emails are only available for users who opt in and use the Dexcom CGM app
** An internet connection is required to send data to Dexcom Clarity. For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
** Compatible insulin-delivery device sold separately.
1 Puhr S, et al. Real-world hypoglycemia avoidance with a continuous glucose monitoring system's predictive low glucose alert. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(4):155-158.
2 Brown SA, et al. Six-Month Randomized, Multicenter Trial of Closed-Loop Control in Type 1 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(18):1707-1717.
3 Thabit H, et al. Use of factory-calibrated real-time continuous glucose monitoring improves time in target and HbA1c in a multiethnic cohort of adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: The MILLENNIALS Study. Diabetes Care. 2020;43(10):2537-2543.
4 Martens T, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272.
5 Akturk HK, et al. Real-World Evidence and Glycemic Improvement Using Dexcom G6 Features. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021;23(S1):S21-S26.
6 Polonsky WH, Fortmann AL. Impact of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data Sharing on Quality of Life and Health Outcomes in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021;23(3):195-202.
7 Polonsky WH, Fortmann AL. Impact of Real-Time CGM Data Sharing on Quality of Life in the Caregivers of Adults and Children With Type 1 Diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2022;16(1):97-105.
8 Welsh JB, et al. Real-Time Sharing and Following of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data in Youth. Diabetes Therapy. 2019;10(2):751-755.
9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Updated 30 December 2022. Accessed 26 January 2023. CDC.
* Finger pricks may be required when symptoms or expectations do not match CGM readings.
† If your glucose alerts and readings from Dexcom CGM do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
‡ Dexcom G6 is compatible with a selection of insulin pumps, including the Tandem t:slim and CamAPS FX.
§ Internet connectivity required for data sharing. Following requires the use of the Follow App. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G6 App or Receiver before making treatment decisions.
‖ Notifications and emails are only available for users who opt in and use the Dexcom CGM app
** An internet connection is required to send data to Dexcom Clarity. For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
** Compatible insulin-delivery device sold separately.
1 Puhr S, et al. Real-world hypoglycemia avoidance with a continuous glucose monitoring system's predictive low glucose alert. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(4):155-158.
2 Brown SA, et al. Six-Month Randomized, Multicenter Trial of Closed-Loop Control in Type 1 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(18):1707-1717.
3 Thabit H, et al. Use of factory-calibrated real-time continuous glucose monitoring improves time in target and HbA1c in a multiethnic cohort of adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: The MILLENNIALS Study. Diabetes Care. 2020;43(10):2537-2543.
4 Martens T, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272.
5 Akturk HK, et al. Real-World Evidence and Glycemic Improvement Using Dexcom G6 Features. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021;23(S1):S21-S26.
6 Polonsky WH, Fortmann AL. Impact of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data Sharing on Quality of Life and Health Outcomes in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021;23(3):195-202.
7 Polonsky WH, Fortmann AL. Impact of Real-Time CGM Data Sharing on Quality of Life in the Caregivers of Adults and Children With Type 1 Diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2022;16(1):97-105.
8 Welsh JB, et al. Real-Time Sharing and Following of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data in Youth. Diabetes Therapy. 2019;10(2):751-755.
9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Updated 30 December 2022. Accessed 26 January 2023. CDC.