# Diabetes apps on smart phones **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 29, 2023, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260 "2023-08-29T02:46:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/1 "2023-08-29T02:46:25Z")
An ad for one of these came and went while I was playing a game, but now I wish I’d paid more attention. I’m not sure if I understand these correctly. Do they somehow actually read your blood glucose with the phone’s camera? Or is it simply a way to interface with Bluetoothed glucose meters? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/2 "2023-08-29T02:49:27Z")
Likely an app that interfaces with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that you wear on your body, like the FreeStyle Libre. I’m not aware of an app that could accurately measure blood glucose just using the phone alone. > **[FreeStyle Libre 2 Connected to Your Phone | Abbott Newsroom](https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/diabetes-care/freestyle-libre-2-now-connected-to-your-iphone.html)** > > FreeStyle Libre 2 iOS and Android apps cleared by FDA so you can monitor glucose through your phone. Every minute, your glucose data is just a scan away. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/3 "2023-08-29T06:41:16Z")
Yep. You are correct. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/4 "2023-08-29T07:38:42Z")
Dexcom is your friend, OP. ---
**Author:** ![cincinnatus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cincinnatus/32/7990_2.png) [@cincinnatus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cincinnatus)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/5 "2023-08-29T10:06:59Z")
If you wear one of these devices, or a similar device, what does it cost you, and how much does insurance pay? I ask because it strikes me that it would be very expensive. And, are they an uncomfortable nuisance, or helpful? ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/6 "2023-08-29T12:04:52Z")
They are extremely helpful because they provide a continuous reading rather than requiring one to stab oneself regularly. As to the rest, I live in Australia. I won’t rub it in any more than that. ---
**Author:** ![cincinnatus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cincinnatus/32/7990_2.png) [@cincinnatus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cincinnatus)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/7 "2023-08-29T12:28:45Z")
Perhaps you could send a bunch over here, for promotional purposes? ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/8 "2023-08-29T13:15:37Z")
My neighbor has type 1 diabetes and wears an insulin pump. She was always pulling a small monitor from her belt to adjust it but her most recent one now works with her phone which gives her more precise control and info and is easier to handle because it isn’t attached to the pump and IV (if that’s what it’s called). ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/9 "2023-08-29T14:19:23Z")
Glucose monitoring smart watches are coming (some here) but tech is expected to get better. > **[If you’re diabetic, don’t wait for your smartwatch to replace your...](https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/18/23618649/noninvasive-blood-glucose-monitoring-wearables-smartwatches)** > > Noninvasively monitoring blood glucose is a whole other ballpark. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/10 "2023-08-29T14:37:44Z")
My friend, who is a Type 1, wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor (which is different from an insulin pump, which actually administers insulin). She was resistant to using one because she’s managed her diabetes well for 30 years. But the insurance company pushed it. Now she REALLY likes it. She says her levels are much better now that there’s continual monitoring. Insurance companies like them because it keeps tabs on their patients, like one of those “safe driving” modules would do for a car. It’s great preventative care, and saves them money in the long run. I’m just a Type 2 diabetic and my insurance company pushes the free monitor and strips heavy on me. Not a CGM just a manual stick-and-strip thing. But getting the instant upload of data for them is a big thing. ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/11 "2023-08-29T14:38:07Z")
> [@cincinnatus](#): > > If you wear one of these devices, or a similar device, what does it cost you, and how much does insurance pay? > > I ask because it strikes me that it would be very expensive. > > And, are they an uncomfortable nuisance, or helpful? I wear one, but I’m neither diabetic nor prediabetic. I wanted to find out what I can do to lower my blood glucose spikes throughout the day and reduce the chance of developing Metabolic Syndrome. I’ve been wearing my Abbot Libre 2 for a week now and have already learned which foods cause my blood sugar to spike high, versus a normal, healthy spike. Since I don’t need one for medical reasons insurance won’t pay a penny, but the iPhone app was free and I was able to find a14-day sensor for $50 online. Fortunately, I can afford $100 a month if I want to keep it going for a while. You need to check with your insurance company to see how much of the cost they will cover. Retail for the sensor can be over $150 for 14 days, so yes, it can get expensive even with insurance depending on where you purchase your sensor. Many drug stores sell sensors, which is convenient, but often the highest cost. Shop around and see what they cost in your area. There are multiple brands to choose from so make sure the one you end up getting is right for you. I don’t find it to be uncomfortable or a nuisance. After a day or two I didn’t even notice I was wearing it, however other people will notice it so expect them to ask you about it if you wear short-sleeved shirts. Helpful? Yes. It has helped we make smarter choices about what I eat and when I eat. I now know what causes large blood sugar spikes in me and can avoid them in the future. If you have to prick your finger multiple times a day a CGM will save you time and effort, but there will be a cost associated with that. My meter checks my glucose every five minutes, but I can check it randomly whenever I want. ---
**Author:** ![cincinnatus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cincinnatus/32/7990_2.png) [@cincinnatus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cincinnatus)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/12 "2023-08-29T17:04:01Z")
Thanks for the comprehensive reply. That really helps me a lot. I’ve looked around and have not seen this level of information. Thanks again. Maybe I hate that daily pin prick. And maybe that causes me to not test as often as I should. Just maybe. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/13 "2023-08-29T17:42:58Z")
Type 1. I wear one. It’s not uncomfortable. Easy to use. The insulin pump is more of a problem (to me) They have been life savers. Insurance covers them. Not sure if Medicare or Medicaid does. There are some programs where you can get them free or low cost. I never use the phone app for readings. I use the device that comes with it. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-apps-on-smart-phones/989260/14 "2023-08-30T21:11:07Z")
My grandson developed type 1 about a year ago. He has an automatic glucose monitor hooked up to an insulin pump and the only thing he has to do is keep the insulin pump full. The combo seems to work well.