Top Holiday Gifts For People With Type 1 Diabetes

The holidays are right around the corner, and if you or someone you love has type 1 diabetes, I bet you’re looking for thoughtful gifts that make managing diabetes a little easier—and maybe a little more fun. As someone who has T1D and loves technology, I’ve always got my eyes peeled on the coolest gadgets and accessories that make diabetes easier, and more fun! Here are some items I recommend for your holiday list this year.

SugarPixel – The LED Continuous Glucose Monitor Display 

If you’re like me, you get tired of carrying your phone or receiver around the house to check glucose readings. SugarPixel is a small LED display that syncs with your continuous glucose monitor (CGM) over WiFi to display your readings and trends. Using its tag-along smartphone app, you can customize the screen with various displays showing trend arrows, emojis and messages, and even two CGM users side-by-side. 

SugarPixel has optional audio alerts that can be set to customizable target ranges right from the app. These loud alerts are great for those who have trouble hearing alerts from a phone or receiver, especially while sleeping.

My favorite feature is Nighttime mode, which dims the screen down to just five small dots that change color based on your readings. It’s the perfect low-lit screen for my bedroom while I sleep–I can simply glance over at it if I wake up to know how I’m doing.

Check it out using my affiliate link to learn more and grab one yourself!

@diabe_tech

SugarPixel displays my real-time glucose levels readings! It works with Dexcom, Libre, and with Nighscout, Medtronic and Eversense CGMs! ... See more

Glowcose - This colorful orb glows your glucose readings 

If you’re looking for a more simple and colorful device, Glowcose may be the one for you! It’s a small, ball-shaped device that glows the colors of the rainbow based on your glucose levels. Red means you're low, green means you’re in range, purple signals you’re high–and the colors in between represent exactly that - the in between. 

It’s simple—no numbers, no charts—just a quick, colorful, visual indicator. You can cycle through its brightness levels with its single on-device button. And it looks like a regular accent light, you don’t have to explain to anyone what it is. I tell my friends what my Glowcose does and call it my mood-light! It’s a great option for shared spaces, offices, or bedrooms. Check out Glowcose here!

Sweet Dreams - Live CGM readings on the iPhone lockscreen 

For iPhone users, Sweet Dreams is a handy app that uses Live Activity features to give you a second-by-second view of your glucose levels, right on your lock screen. It connects to your CGM (whether it’s Dexcom, Freestyle Libre, or Medtronic) and gives you more immediate updates than typical widgets. For me, it takes away the anxiety of needing to unlock my phone with friends, or on a first date. I simply slide out my phone, look at the lock screen and know what my glucose reading is.

Aside from readings on the iPhone, Sweet Dreams pairs with an Apple Watch for live readings and supports Apple Carplay integration to display readings on a car dashboard using iCal.

A subscription to Sweet Dreams is required for the Live Activity feature and is absolutely worth it! A one-year subscription costs $20 and is a great gift for the holidays. You can check out the app here.

Smart watches and lifestyle trackers for health and glucose monitoring 

For the tech-savvy or athletic person with diabetes, smartwatches have become indispensable tools in glucose management and health tracking. Devices like the Apple Watch, Garmin watches, and Android-compatible wearables are more than just fitness trackers—they seamlessly integrate with CGMs to deliver real-time glucose data and/or push notifications directly to your wrist. Dexcom offers direct integration with Apple Watch and Garmin watch. This makes it easier to keep an eye on your levels without the need to constantly reach for your phone.

@diabe_tech

Garmin watches can display blood sugar readings! #diabetes #dexcom

Beyond traditional smartwatches, the Oura Ring is beginning to carve out its place in diabetes technology. While known for its sleep and wellness tracking, the Oura Ring is now diving into glucose management with a unique partnership with Dexcom. The two have entered a strategic partnership, as Dexcom has invested $75 million in Oura’s Series D funding round. 

There are 42 factors that affect glucose levels–from sleep quality and stress, to activity patterns. The possibility that this ring could help people with diabetes better understand changes in glucose levels sounds incredible. In my latest YouTube video below, I get into the potential for this partnership and the possibility it could lead to a non-invasive glucose monitor technology.

Frio Insulin Coolers are the perfect stocking stuffer

Traveling during the holidays? If you use insulin, you know that keeping it cool can be a challenge. That’s where Frio insulin coolers come in. These simple pouches work by using water-activated crystals to keep insulin cool for up to 72 hours. I’ve used these on beach trips, cross-country moves, and during long vacations. They're perfect for anyone who needs to store insulin pens or vials while on the go. They come in different sizes to fit whatever you're carrying, from a couple of pens to a full stash of supplies. No charging, no batteries—just hydration and a cool insulin pack. I use FRIO for all my travels! You can save 10% on FRIO by using my discount code JUSTIN10 with this link. 

Customize your adhesive patches & stickers

My favorite thing to do with my diabetes tech is decorate it, and that sometimes comes with the added bonus of it staying on longer. Custom adhesive patches for your CGM and insulin pump are a great way to add some personality to your diabetes gear. There are tons of designs out there, from holiday-themed patches (think snowflakes, reindeer, or even Christmas trees) to rainbow-colored ones for Pride. They’re practical and stylish, especially if you plan to be in the pool or at the beach during the holidays and don’t want to lose a sensor.

@diabe_tech

Make custom cgm and pump decals and patches! #diabetes #diabetic #diy

Another fun way to decorate diabetes tech is with acrylic jewels. I first got these to put on my face for fun events and festivals, but now I deck out my pump and cgm with these jewels for various occasions.

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