Do you have diabetes, and find reaching your health and fitness goals a challenge? You might want to check out the latest fitness trackers. Wearable technologies have been around for a while now, but recent innovations provide important tools for people with diabetes. Read on to learn more.
What is a fitness tracker?
A fitness tracker is a bit like having a personal fitness coach on your wrist. Devices like the Apple Watch and Fitbit track how many steps you take in a day and how far you have walked or run. They can also monitor how many calories you have burned, food choices and water intake, your heart rate, and sleep patterns.
How can fitness trackers help people with diabetes stay healthier?
The more you know about your fitness level, the better equipped you are to achieve your health goals. Staying as healthy as possible is key to effective diabetes management. Using a fitness tracker gives you a sense of how much exercise you are getting on a day-to-day basis. It may empower you to move more, eat better and get more sleep.
For people with diabetes, some fitness trackers are designed to connect with Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) so you can keep tabs on your blood glucose levels with a smartphone or fitness band.
Also, you can link health apps like Medisafe to your fitness tracker. The app allows you to receive reminders for medication and refills on your watch or fitness band.
Can fitness trackers integrate with other health-focused apps?
Yes, that is one of the big benefits of this technology. The information collected by fitness trackers like Fitbit, Garmin and Apple Watch can be used to monitor longer term health patterns and trends.
There are several apps that connect with fitness trackers from your computer, tablet or smartphone. They include MyFitnessPal, Google Fit, Apple Health, Strava, Runna, and Samsung Health.
By linking your day-to-day data to these apps, you can track your progress over time and stay motivated. They can also provide a more complete picture of your overall health and wellness. Some of the apps, like Strava, provide an online community where you can connect with other runners, cyclists, and hikers.
I have heard about fitness trackers that monitor blood sugar levels with a touch sensor. Do they work?
No, they are not reliable; be wary of any fitness device or smartphone advertised by online retailers that promise to provide blood glucose readings on their own. Health Canada is warning that these devices could pose serious health risks because they may give false blood glucose readings. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a similar warning. These devices are not FDA-cleared or approved.
Health Canada has advised that only devices that pierce the skin or have a sensor under the skin can provide accurate blood glucose readings. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), for example, have a sensor inserted under the skin that measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid.
Today, many fitness trackers can connect with CGM monitors. This allows you to see and monitor your blood glucose readings from your watch or fitness band. Remember, while some CGMs can be synced with smartwatches, the watch itself is not your main monitoring device. It is a complement technology used to display medical data from an authorized CGM sensor.
Where can I find fitness trackers in Canada?
Fitness trackers are available online and at many electronics stores across Canada. There are watches, bands – even a fitness tracker ring! There is a wide assortment of products, and you should be able to find one that matches your style, fitness goals, and budget. The top brands include: Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, Whoop, and Samsung.
Living with diabetes comes with many health challenges. Investing in a smartwatch or fitness band can help you stay on track with your fitness and nutrition goals. By connecting to online health apps, you can track your fitness trends and learn more about your overall health.
