Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch to Display Dexcom CGM Data in 2018

By Emily Fitts and Adam Brown

New Dexcom and Fitbit collaboration to put CGM data on the wrist, a convenience win and the third smartwatch platform for Fitbit. What else might they develop?

Dexcom and Fitbit recently announced an exciting diabetes collaboration, starting with a new device integration: Dexcom CGM data will be viewable on Fitbit’s new Ionic smartwatch “as soon as possible” in 2018. The news brings Dexcom CGM data to the third major smartwatch platform, expanding beyond the currently-available Apple Watch and Android Wear applications.

Initially, Fitbit Ionic will likely display data relayed from the Dexcom G5 phone app, just as Apple Watch and Android Wear currently do (“secondary display”). Over time, it’s possible that direct CGM-to-watch communication might be added – this would allow CGM data to be sent to the watch without the phone being present (“primary display”). Dexcom is already working on this direct communication with the Apple Watch, though there is no timeline on when it might be available. We see big convenience potential in such an update and hope it comes to Fitbit too.    

The collaboration between Fitbit and Dexcom will make it easier to see health and activity data alongside glucose data, which both companies hope will be an effective tool for users managing their diabetes. In addition, Dexcom CGM users will be able to connect with millions of people through Fitbit’s in-app Community, where they can ask questions, seek support, and share successes.

Fitbit Ionic, like other Fitbit devices, provides users with real-time and long-term insights about their health, including activity, sleep patterns, resting heart rate, and cardio fitness level. In a big improvement over other smartwatches, Ionic includes a 4+ day battery life, meaning one less thing to charge every single day. Ionic also includes personalized coaching, a new oxygen sensor (potential to track sleep apnea), built-in GPS, music storage, and a water-resistant design. Ionic will be compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Fitbit Ionic is on sale now for $299.95, a bit more than Apple’s Series 1 Watch ($249), but less expensive than Apple’s newer Series 3 Watch ($329-$399). Both products have their own app stores, opening potential for unique diabetes apps to come onto the Watch.

Beyond the Ionic integration, we hope this collaboration leads to other diabetes advances like personal coaching, new activity/glucose data displays and insights, and perhaps even educational programs.

For Fitbit, this news is its biggest move into diabetes yet, following a partnership with Medtronic on professional (blinded) CGM. We’re glad to see Fitbit now working on real-time CGM, as it has so much more feedback potential for people with diabetes.