“Imagine if you could just ask your CGM what your glucose levels are, and it told you aloud?”
Living with diabetes has changed for the better, away from finger pricks and logbooks. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) today provide real-time readings, alerts, and long-term patterns to help people better manage their daily conditions. With newer technology, however, comes more questions: Is there a CGM that talks?
Voice features will be a game changer for individuals who are vision impaired, lead busy lives, or simply would prefer hands-free access. In this article, we will explore whether talking CGMs exist, how current devices leverage voice technology, and how to develop a more accessible and intuitive CGM experience anyway—voices or no voice.
We will also introduce how Healify Now is providing services to users to customize their diabetes technology with training, tools, and smarter solutions.
Table OF Content
What Does “Talking CGM” Mean?
When people express a desire for a “talking CGM,” they often mean a CGM that audibly reads or alerts them to glucose levels without screens and buttons. This could be a beneficial function for those with low vision or for people who multitask during the day.
However, no CGM available today has a speaker or native voice output. Most devices are paired with companion apps and smart technology to read glucose in order to present output with audio alerts or virtual assistant association.
So, while the CGM may not be a voice output device, the market is moving toward that experience through smart ecosystems.
Current CGMs and Their Voice-Friendly Features
Let’s review major CGMs who are creating a “talking” experience through mobile devices, applications, and voice assistant integrations.
-
Dexcom G6 & G7 with Voice Assistant Integration
Dexcom’s G6 and G7 models are some of the most tech-savvy on the market today. While the sensors do not “talk,” the app works directly with Apple’s voice assistant for updates without manual management.
- Siri Shortcuts: Just say, “Hey Siri, what’s my glucose?” Your phone will tell you your current glucose value.
- Lock Screen Readings: Voice alerts can go off without unlocking your phone.
- Custom Audio Alerts: Smartphone users can set up sound alerts for high or low glucose readings.
This is why Dexcom is an accessible choice, especially for iPhone users.
-
FreeStyle Libre with Reader and App Features
FreeStyle Libres’ newer versions—Libre 2 and Libre 3- more robust alerting system. They do not talk directly to you, but can send you audio notifications on your phone.
- LibreLink App: Will send glucose out-of-range alerts through sounds or vibrations.
- No Built-In Speech: You will need to rely on screen readers or other accessibility tools to hear your actual glucose value.
If you adjust settings on your phone, both can give you an even semi-auditory experience.
-
Tandem t:slim X2 Pump + CGM Integration
This insulin pump interoperates with CGMs and offers options closer to voice interactivity, notably through your smartphone.
- Tandem Mobile App: This app provides audio alerts via your phone, so you always know what your pump is “saying” without having to interact with it.
- No Manual Screen Checking: Perfect for users who want the least amount of visual interface possible.
The CGM part of the CGM continues to not “speak,” but the experience is well rounded when used in combination with app and audio features.
-
Workarounds with Smart Assistants
Highly tech-savvy users modify their diabetes management systems with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Home:
- IFTTT (If This Then That): You can set up automation to announce sound alerts when your glucose levels climb too high or drop too low.
- Daily Spoken Reports: You can set routines for Alexa to say glucose summaries to you each morning.
While these are set-up initiatives, they can be used creatively to represent a talking CGM in your home context.
Why Would Someone Need a Talking CGM?
It is more than plain convenience – voice-enabled functionality in CGMs addresses important considerations for many users.
-
Visual Impairments
Being able to access glucose data audibly allows visually impaired users to independently and safely manage diabetes.
- Receive glucose alerts without needing to look at a screen
- Avoid making a mistake from reading something wrong visually
- Continue to maintain control while traveling, working, or moving
-
Hands-Free Convenience
Voice alerts offer help when hands are engaged – such as driving, exercising, or cooking. Getting the updates can be instant and a spoken update gives the user the ability to update on the go.
-
Caregiver Support
Parents and caregivers can also benefit from audible alerts or remote monitoring. A voice-enabled system can ease the struggle of managing someone else’s diabetes remotely, while being less intrusive.
Challenges in Making CGMs Truly Talk
While there is an undeniable appetite for a talking, stand-alone CGM, it is not easy to create.
Device Size and Battery Life
Adding an audio component could lead to an increase in size and battery draw.
Privacy Concerns
Verbal alerting in public spaces could unintendedly reveal a user’s sensitive health information.
Medical Regulations
If they are to be used in a medical device, new voice features must pass standards for accuracy and consistency.
However, manufacturers are now in the process of looking at how they can introduce voice into diabetes technology further.
CGM That Talks: What to Expect
The best days of CGM viewing are ahead. Look for innovations in CGM features to involve:
- Audio Feedback: Sensor with on-board voice
- Braille & Tactile Devices: Wearables both speak and you can touch
- AI-Enabled Coaching: Interactive voice feedback about your data and insulin decisions
Voice first health care technologies are already in development, and the CGM realm is likely next!
How to Improve the CGM Experience for All Users
You don’t have to wait for the future to improve your CGM experience. Here’s a way to get going today:
-
Customize Audio Alerts via Mobile App
To suit your tastes, you can change the vibration settings, volume, and tones.
Tone Usage:
- Use different tones for high and low readings
- Increase volume or use a tone that is more pronounced for nighttime alerts
- Consider using smartwatches and smart devices to receive alerts
-
Enable Voice Assistant Shortcuts
Set up commands with Siri or Google Assistant so you can ask for your glucose readings. Test out and practice a lot with those commands.
-
Leverage Accessibility Features on Smartphones
Consider leveraging tools like iOS VoiceOver or Android TalkBack. Both tools can read the CGM data from your screen for you.
-
Educate Yourself Through CGM Training
Not sure where to begin? Healify Now provides personalized onboarding and training with the leading CGM brands. Come meet with us to learn how to set your CGM up to fit your preferences, how to assess your data and any accessibility features as well.
-
Use Wearables to Stay Alert
Direct alerts on your wrist! This is helpful when you’re in meetings, workouts, and tracking sleep. Great way to keep informed and connected to your glucose levels without relying on checking your phone.
FAQs
Q1. Are there any CGMs that talk out of the box?
At the moment, there are not. All voice functions simply utilize an app or product that is coupled with the CGMs.
Q2. Can my blood sugar be read by Alexa or Siri?
Yes – assuming your CGM integrates with the assistant (like Dexcom with Siri).
Q3. Are there glucose meters that talk?
Yes. Many traditional glucose meters, including Prodigy Voice, provide reading with spoken words, but they are not CGMs.
Q4. What’s the best way to make my CGM more accessible?
Use voice assistants; enable screen readers; explore tech options for deliverance of optimal alerts.
Q5. Can Healify Now help me set up a CGM for better accessibility?
Definitely. We will help you to set it up for the best of use – whether it be audio alerts, visual, or training.
Conclusion
We may not be quite ready for a CGM that literally “talks” on its own yet, but we are getting there with smart integrations and accessibility tools. If you have a visual impairment or simply prefer to be hands-free with updates, leveraging mobile apps, voice assistants, and wearable technology together can get you almost all the way there.
At Healify Now, we believe the technology should work for you, not vice versa. That is why we offer you expert advice and assistance to help you maximize your CGM.
Would you like to make your CGM smarter and easier to use? Book a free consultation with Healify Now, and we will show you how to customize your diabetes management to fit your life.
Visit us at HealifyNow.com – Your health. Your way.
