18 Thoughtful Gifts for People with Diabetes
By Lindsay Modglin
Looking for the right gift for a loved one with diabetes? With helpful gadgets, food plan subscriptions, and more, here’s a list to get your holiday shopping started.
Finding the right gift for someone with diabetes can feel like a challenge. We want our loved ones to know how grateful we are for them, but many of us worry about choosing the wrong items. After all, everyone with diabetes is unique. Some follow a strict diet, others use insulin pumps, and some just want to enjoy life without thinking about their condition 24/7. Despite these individual preferences, there’s one thing we all have in common: We love a thoughtful gift.
With the help of this simple guide on gifts for diabetes, you won't be struggling with ideas this holiday season.
1) Vivo Diabetes Program, from $159
Vivo Fitness is an interactive fitness program tailored to people 55 and over that also offers a prediabetes and diabetes group program. This comprehensive program runs for 12 weeks and includes two Vivo Fitness sessions each week and one diabetes-focused, group nutrition education class per week that’s taught by a registered dietitian nutritionist who is also an expert in diabetes management.
Participants can be as active as their bodies will allow, and Vivo's high-tech fitness platform is safe for those with diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, and retinopathy. Vivo gift cards can be given in any amount from $5 to $1,000.
2) The Wellness Planner from Life & Apples, $25
This daily motivational planner focuses on healthy living, body, and mind. It features a one-of-a-kind layout for tracking foods, exercise, meal planning, and habits. The planner also includes daily gratitude and affirmations for ongoing inspiration, which are perfect for those living with a chronic illness.
The weekly and monthly planning pages help keep track of important dates, with room for daily notes. It includes a convenient pen holder and an inner pocket for storing important documents. This simple tool can make all the difference in keeping busy people on track with their health goals!
3) Myabetic Handbag for Diabetes Supplies, from $74
These beautifully crafted bags are designed specifically for people living with diabetes. Myabetic has created a bag that is stylish, discreet, and great for keeping the necessary diabetes essentials close at hand. With a variety of styles, colors, and patterns to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect fit – regardless of age or gender.
Each bag is made from premium materials with plenty of room for snacks, medications, and much more. Most also feature an insulated compartment for insulin. Myabetic bags are an ideal gift for those living with diabetes.
4) Insulin Pump Belt from Glucology, $30
Know someone who uses an insulin pump? Glucology has you covered with sleek pump belts designed specifically for people using insulin pumps. Made from a high-performance fabric, the belt is lightweight, soft to the touch, and breathable.
Designed with comfort in mind, these pump belts are free of zippers, clips, and any other bulky hardware that may irritate the skin. With their slim and functional design, Glucology pump belts are the perfect accessory for people who use insulin pumps.
5) Winter Socks by HeatHolders, from $12
Curated for diabetes, heat holders socks are an ideal gift this holiday season. Beautifully crafted with premium thermal heat technology, these socks provide warmth, comfort, and durability for everyday wear.
Even better, they come in styles for both men and women, with both ankle and crew sock options. They're also non-binding, making them a diabetes-friendly winter sock option.
6) BistroMD Diabetes-Friendly Meal Plan, from $150 per week
Everyone needs a little help in the kitchen, especially when it comes to meal planning. BistroMD offers a diabetes-friendly meal program that delivers all the ingredients you'll need right to your door.
A registered dietitian carefully plans each menu, which includes 25 grams or less of net carbs per serving for healthy blood sugar control. The meals are easy to prepare and customizable to individual needs. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner options like 7-Grain Waffles with Strawberry Compote and Beef and Butternut Squash with Chicken Meatballs in a Marinara Sauce, your taste buds will never be bored.
7) Custom Engraved Diabetes Medical ID Bracelet by Lauren’s Hope, from $45
Medical alert jewelry is often necessary for people living with diabetes, but the options aren't always stylish. That's where Lauren's Hope comes in. Their customizable medical bracelets are crafted with beautiful engraving options for men, women, and children. Whether you're looking for an elegant design or something with a bit more flash, you'll find what you need at Lauren's Hope. The company also offers engraving for up to 5 conditions or allergies, making the bracelets ideal for people living not just with diabetes but also other chronic conditions.
8) Sugar Smart Snack Box by CrateJoy, from $29/month
This snack box compiles a variety of low-carb, keto, and diabetes-friendly goodies into one convenient package. With more than seven low sugar snacks in each box, you'll never be without a satisfying treat. Each included snack has no more than 5 grams of sugar per serving. And since all snacks are low in carbs, they won't cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Protein bars, drink mixes, cookies, and more are included in each box, with different snacks changing with each season.
Each included snack has no more than 5 grams of sugar per serving. And since all snacks are low in carbs, they won't cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Protein bars, drink mixes, cookies, and more are included in each box – with different snacks changing with each season.
9) Silverts Soft Wide Adjustable Slippers, $45
These cozy slippers from Silverts make a wonderful gift for anyone living with diabetes. They're especially good for people who spend a lot of time both indoors and outdoors. Each pair is slip-resistant with adjustable closures for accommodating swelling. Whether you like to wander around the house or run an errand, these men's slippers offer comfort and security. (A similar version is available for women, too.)
10) Diabetes Awareness Shirt from Etsy, varies
For those who choose to wear their heart on their sleeve, Etsy offers a large selection of diabetes awareness shirts and sweatshirts. Since Etsy is a seller’s platform, you're sure to find something for every size and style. The diabetes awareness tee pictured here, from TezzDesign, runs for about $23.
Most Etsy sellers also customize their products, so each item comes personalized according to your specifications. Your diabetes awareness shirt is guaranteed to be unique and will help support the cause.
11) Insulin Pump Pocket Clothes from Revel Wear, from $25
Another wonderful option for those with insulin pumps, Revel Wear delivers both convenience and comfort with their line of insulin pump pocket clothes. Each piece of clothing is made to accommodate traditional insulin pumps so they are always secure.
Revel Wear makes a variety of pocket clothes for children and adults, each crafted from high-quality fabrics that are moisture-wicking and breathable. This ensures comfort no matter what the weather is like outside. (Photo credit: Instagram/revelwearbrand)
12) For Good Measure: A Diabetic Cookbook, $40
In her new cookbook, Jennifer Shun – a recipe developer, food stylist, and mother of a daughter living with type 1 diabetes – offers more than 80 meal and snack ideas that are naturally low in carbohydrates with no ingredient swaps or artificial sweeteners. Our current obsession is her Peanut Butter Shortbread, which contains only 14 grams of total carbs per serving. (Photo credit: Instagram/for.good.measure)
13) Fitbit Charge 6 Smart Watch, $130
While not directly related to diabetes, Fitbit's Charge 5 is worth the mention. This smartwatch can help create healthier habits and routines with exercise modes, sleep tracking, and silent alarms that can help those with diabetes manage their medication routines and more!
Beyond the health benefits, this watch boasts many great features in an attractive package. It offers interchangeable wristbands in a variety of colors and styles to suit every taste – making it a practical gift for many.
14) Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream from CeraVe, from $10
Protect your loved one's delicate skin with a few easy applications of this wonderful lotion from CeraVe. This non-greasy formula soothes dry, irritated skin by deeply penetrating the surface. It can be applied as often as needed, making it a practical gift idea to add to your list.
Every product is made with ceramides to strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier and ingredients like niacinamide, known for its moisturizing properties. This ensures that those living with diabetes can keep their skin healthy and smooth – without a lot of work! We think this product would make a great stocking stuffer or gift basket addition.
15) TruEats Brownie Mix, $8
Coping with a sweet tooth can be a challenging aspect of living with diabetes – but it doesn't have to be. With TruEats, they can make delicious brownies in just minutes with this simple mix! Not only do they taste great, but they're also packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied longer. Plus, they're made with plant-based, natural ingredients that are also low glycemic and gluten-free!
These brownies embody the spirit of healthy convenience – they're easy to make and you can feel good about the ingredients. For the person who never met chocolate they didn't like, TruEats is a wonderful gift to give them this year!
16) OKRA Care’s Diabetes Management Supplies, from $16
We know that diabetes supplies aren't always affordable, which is why we're highlighting this subscription from OKRA. OKRA Care has designed a subscription service that cuts out the middleman, ensuring that essential diabetes supplies are more accessible to those who need them. Their well-designed packaging is sleek and makes for a smart choice to give someone who may be seeking a better way to manage their health.
The starter kit includes a wireless glucometer, 25 test strips, 25 lancets, one adjustable lancing device, and OKRA control solution. No insurance is required, and the subscription box ships for free directly to the customer.
17) Digital Kitchen Scale from Etekcity, $17
This smart kitchen scale from Etekcity is not only practical, but it's also stylish. This digital scale can weigh up to 11 pounds and automatically adjusts the weight measurements based on what’s placed on it. It can measure in grams, ounces, pounds, and milliliters. The included bowl is the perfect tool for measuring liquids and smaller foods.
It's a great gift for those who love to cook and bake – and it's also ideal for those with dietary restrictions. No matter what they're whipping up in the kitchen, this scale will help them track their progress and ensure that they're not going overboard on any one ingredient.
18) ExpressionMed CGM Stickers and Overpatches, from $1
ExpressionMed makes medical adhesives for diabetes devices, and they’re designed to last at least a week without peeling, fraying, itching, or falling apart. The best part, though, is the fact that there are more than 300 sticker designs tailored to the likes of Dexcoms and Omnipods to match every mood, holiday, and moment (rainbow overpatch for Pride month, anyone?). (Photo credit: Instagram/expressionmedtape)
Editor’s note: We did not receive any incentive for promoting these products and we receive no benefits from any purchases made using this gift guide.
