Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFinal VerdictCompare AppsGuide to ChoosingFrequently Asked QuestionsMethodology
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Final Verdict
Compare Apps
Guide to Choosing
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
Smartphone apps have become increasingly important tools for managing certain health conditions, includingdiabetes. They assist with everything from diet and exercise to glucose monitoring and symptom management.These cleverly designed apps are useful for anyone with diabetes, from people who are newlydiagnosedto those who have been living with the disease their entire lives. Review the five best apps for managing diabetes below.
Smartphone apps have become increasingly important tools for managing certain health conditions, includingdiabetes. They assist with everything from diet and exercise to glucose monitoring and symptom management.
These cleverly designed apps are useful for anyone with diabetes, from people who are newlydiagnosedto those who have been living with the disease their entire lives. Review the five best apps for managing diabetes below.
Best Overall: BlueStar DiabetesBlueStar DiabetesSign Up NowKey SpecsPrice:Free, though only available via access code from your employer, health system or health plan.Platforms: iOS and AndroidNotable Features:Organize medications, real-time coaching, record blood glucose and carbs, view lab results, sync health data with Apple Health, and connect with your healthcare teamWhy We Chose ItBlueStar is a free, award-winning app that offers a variety of helpful tools for people who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It allows you to set reminders for medications, record your blood glucose levels, and plan meals for the day.Pros & ConsProsTracks blood sugar resultsImmediate feedback with real-time, personalized, AI-driven coachingProvides recipes ideas/food barcode scannerSet medication remindersSyncs with fitness trackersConsRequires access code from an employer, health system or health planOnly intended for ages 18+OverviewBlueStar is an FDA-approved, award-winning app that provides 24/7 real-time, personalized, AI-driven coaching. This comprehensive app is available only via an access code from employers, health systems, or health plans, and offers an impressive range of tools tailored to the individual. Once registered, users can receive personalized guidance based on their blood glucose, medications, current health, and a review of lifestyle factors affecting diabetes.In addition, BlueStar provides thousands of tailored coaching messages based on real-time glucose values and trends. While BlueStar is not intended to replace your doctor, it can greatly enhance your care, particularly if you’re having difficulty controlling your blood sugar or are in need of ongoing support.BlueStar is intended for persons 18 and older withtype 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is free foriPhoneandAndroid. To activate the app, you will need an access code from an authorized healthcare provider.
Best Overall: BlueStar Diabetes
BlueStar Diabetes
Sign Up Now
Key Specs
Why We Chose It
BlueStar is a free, award-winning app that offers a variety of helpful tools for people who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It allows you to set reminders for medications, record your blood glucose levels, and plan meals for the day.
Pros & Cons
ProsTracks blood sugar resultsImmediate feedback with real-time, personalized, AI-driven coachingProvides recipes ideas/food barcode scannerSet medication remindersSyncs with fitness trackersConsRequires access code from an employer, health system or health planOnly intended for ages 18+
ProsTracks blood sugar resultsImmediate feedback with real-time, personalized, AI-driven coachingProvides recipes ideas/food barcode scannerSet medication remindersSyncs with fitness trackers
Tracks blood sugar results
Immediate feedback with real-time, personalized, AI-driven coaching
Provides recipes ideas/food barcode scanner
Set medication reminders
Syncs with fitness trackers
ConsRequires access code from an employer, health system or health planOnly intended for ages 18+
Requires access code from an employer, health system or health plan
Only intended for ages 18+
Overview
BlueStar is an FDA-approved, award-winning app that provides 24/7 real-time, personalized, AI-driven coaching. This comprehensive app is available only via an access code from employers, health systems, or health plans, and offers an impressive range of tools tailored to the individual. Once registered, users can receive personalized guidance based on their blood glucose, medications, current health, and a review of lifestyle factors affecting diabetes.
In addition, BlueStar provides thousands of tailored coaching messages based on real-time glucose values and trends. While BlueStar is not intended to replace your doctor, it can greatly enhance your care, particularly if you’re having difficulty controlling your blood sugar or are in need of ongoing support.
BlueStar is intended for persons 18 and older withtype 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is free foriPhoneandAndroid. To activate the app, you will need an access code from an authorized healthcare provider.
Best for Emergencies: Medical ID
Medical ID
In the event of an emergency, the Medical ID app makes sure first responders can access important details about your health conditions (like diabetes and any others) as well as send alerts to your emergency contacts.
Access from lock screen during emergency situations
Shares location with emergency contacts
ConsNot specifically for diabetes management and careFree version doesn’t include many features
Not specifically for diabetes management and care
Free version doesn’t include many features
Although not a diabetes-specific app per se, Medical ID is free to download for Android. The app is visible on the lock screen of the phone, allowing first responders or others to access critical medical information such as chronic conditions, including diabetes, emergency contacts, and more.
While it won’t help you to manage your diabetes, it will alert others of your condition in the event you have a diabetes-related emergency—a severehypoglycemicevent, for example—that leaves you unable to speak for yourself.
Best for Nutrition: FooducateFooducateSign Up NowKey SpecsPrice:Free plan; Premium upgrades start at $1.99Platforms:iOS and AndroidNotable Features:Track meals and exercise, scan barcodes, personalized health and diet tips based on the foods you scan, weight loss support, motivational insights, and tailored food-based education based on health conditionsWhy We Chose ItWith over 300,000 foods in its database, Fooducate provides insight into your nutrition quality so you can make smarter food choices as part of your diabetes management. Simply scan the barcode of your food packages to access helpful information on your daily eats.Pros & ConsProsIn-app community with recipes and member supportIdentifies foods' nutritional value (carbs, sugars, etc.)Suggests healthy alternatives for foods scannedPremium version offers diabetes-specific tipsConsFree version doesn’t include diabetes supportDoesn’t track blood sugarsOverviewFooducate is a nutrition-focused tracking app that assesses the quality of the foods you’re eating. The app uses a built-in database of hundreds of thousands of scannable barcodes so you can easily count macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats).It assigns a letter grade (A, B, C, or D) to a food’s nutrition quality. Fooducate then provides you with explanations and alternative recommendations, plus tips from nutrition professionals and community support so you can continue to make smart decisions for blood sugar management.
Best for Nutrition: Fooducate
Fooducate
With over 300,000 foods in its database, Fooducate provides insight into your nutrition quality so you can make smarter food choices as part of your diabetes management. Simply scan the barcode of your food packages to access helpful information on your daily eats.
ProsIn-app community with recipes and member supportIdentifies foods' nutritional value (carbs, sugars, etc.)Suggests healthy alternatives for foods scannedPremium version offers diabetes-specific tipsConsFree version doesn’t include diabetes supportDoesn’t track blood sugars
ProsIn-app community with recipes and member supportIdentifies foods' nutritional value (carbs, sugars, etc.)Suggests healthy alternatives for foods scannedPremium version offers diabetes-specific tips
In-app community with recipes and member support
Identifies foods' nutritional value (carbs, sugars, etc.)
Suggests healthy alternatives for foods scanned
Premium version offers diabetes-specific tips
ConsFree version doesn’t include diabetes supportDoesn’t track blood sugars
Free version doesn’t include diabetes support
Doesn’t track blood sugars
Fooducate is a nutrition-focused tracking app that assesses the quality of the foods you’re eating. The app uses a built-in database of hundreds of thousands of scannable barcodes so you can easily count macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats).
It assigns a letter grade (A, B, C, or D) to a food’s nutrition quality. Fooducate then provides you with explanations and alternative recommendations, plus tips from nutrition professionals and community support so you can continue to make smart decisions for blood sugar management.
Best for Tracking Blood Sugar: Glucose BuddyGlucose BuddySign Up NowKey SpecsPrice:Plans range from $19.99 to $59.99 per monthPlatforms:iOS and AndroidNotable Features:Track blood sugar readings, log meals, 12-week diabetes education plan, nutritional insights, track exercise data, and print out reports for your medical providerWhy We Chose ItGlucose Buddy’s intuitive interface simplifies the process of logging carbohydrate intake, medication, exercise, and blood glucose readings. Plus, its custom insights help you understand how your lifestyle impacts your diabetes management.Pros & ConsProsStraightforward and modern lookProvides insights based on target blood glucose rangeCan sync data from Apple Health appConsMore expensive than its competitorsOverviewGlucose Buddy is a must-have app for trackingblood glucose levels, insulin, medications,A1Cresults, and carb intake. The app syncs with Dexcom G5 and G6glucose monitoring systemsto maintain a thorough record of your glucose, but it doesn’t stop there. Glucose Buddy helps you track your physical activity and food intake, and also offers to push notifications to remind you when to check your blood sugar next.Glucose Buddy’s chart display can help you spot patterns and gain greater insight into yourblood sugar trendsand you can even create printable reports to bring to your next doctor’s appointment.
Best for Tracking Blood Sugar: Glucose Buddy
Glucose Buddy
Glucose Buddy’s intuitive interface simplifies the process of logging carbohydrate intake, medication, exercise, and blood glucose readings. Plus, its custom insights help you understand how your lifestyle impacts your diabetes management.
ProsStraightforward and modern lookProvides insights based on target blood glucose rangeCan sync data from Apple Health appConsMore expensive than its competitors
ProsStraightforward and modern lookProvides insights based on target blood glucose rangeCan sync data from Apple Health app
Straightforward and modern look
Provides insights based on target blood glucose range
Can sync data from Apple Health app
ConsMore expensive than its competitors
More expensive than its competitors
Glucose Buddy is a must-have app for trackingblood glucose levels, insulin, medications,A1Cresults, and carb intake. The app syncs with Dexcom G5 and G6glucose monitoring systemsto maintain a thorough record of your glucose, but it doesn’t stop there. Glucose Buddy helps you track your physical activity and food intake, and also offers to push notifications to remind you when to check your blood sugar next.
Glucose Buddy’s chart display can help you spot patterns and gain greater insight into yourblood sugar trendsand you can even create printable reports to bring to your next doctor’s appointment.
Best for Food Tracking: MyFitnessPalMyFitnessPalSign Up NowKey SpecsPrice:Free plan; Premium options are $19.99/ month or $79.99/ yearPlatforms:iOS and AndroidNotable Features:Meal and activity log, customized recommendations based on goals, supportive community, track progress over time, meal plans, and custom carb tracking toolsWhy We Chose ItMyFitnessPal is so much more than a calorie counter app: It lets you track your sugar, carb, and water intake as well as your physical activity and timing of your meals. The app has a notes section where you can record blood sugar levels and insulin injections.Pros & ConsProsDatabase includes more than 14 million foodsCan use smartphone camera to scan foodsAccess to a library of recipes and workoutsShows breakdown of macronutrientsIntegrates with over 50 appsConsRequires consistent internet connectionPremium is pricey but has more benefitsOverviewMyFitnessPal is one of the most widely-used food tracking apps, thanks to its enormous food database incorporating more than 11 million foods—everything from produce to restaurant menu options to Trader Joe’s snacks. The barcode scanner lets you input nearly any food from your pantry and the app also incorporates an exercise tracker that syncs with your food choices to help you meet your goals for weight management.Free foriPhoneandAndroidbut many of the functions that would benefit diabetics (like carb tracking) are better in the Pro version.
Best for Food Tracking: MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is so much more than a calorie counter app: It lets you track your sugar, carb, and water intake as well as your physical activity and timing of your meals. The app has a notes section where you can record blood sugar levels and insulin injections.
ProsDatabase includes more than 14 million foodsCan use smartphone camera to scan foodsAccess to a library of recipes and workoutsShows breakdown of macronutrientsIntegrates with over 50 appsConsRequires consistent internet connectionPremium is pricey but has more benefits
ProsDatabase includes more than 14 million foodsCan use smartphone camera to scan foodsAccess to a library of recipes and workoutsShows breakdown of macronutrientsIntegrates with over 50 apps
Database includes more than 14 million foods
Can use smartphone camera to scan foods
Access to a library of recipes and workouts
Shows breakdown of macronutrients
Integrates with over 50 apps
ConsRequires consistent internet connectionPremium is pricey but has more benefits
Requires consistent internet connection
Premium is pricey but has more benefits
MyFitnessPal is one of the most widely-used food tracking apps, thanks to its enormous food database incorporating more than 11 million foods—everything from produce to restaurant menu options to Trader Joe’s snacks. The barcode scanner lets you input nearly any food from your pantry and the app also incorporates an exercise tracker that syncs with your food choices to help you meet your goals for weight management.
Free foriPhoneandAndroidbut many of the functions that would benefit diabetics (like carb tracking) are better in the Pro version.
Compare the Best Apps for Managing Diabetes
Diabetes AppCostPlatformsNotable FeaturesBlueStar Diabetes:Best OverallFreeiOS and AndroidOrganize medications, real-time coaching, record blood glucose and carbs, view lab results, sync health data with Apple Health, and connect with your healthcare teamMedical ID:Best for EmergenciesFree plan; Premium lifetime option for $6.49AndroidPortable tool for storing emergency contacts, allergies, medications, blood type, organ donor status, and moreFooducate:Best for NutritionFree plan; Premium upgrades start at $1.99iOS and AndroidTrack meals and exercise, scan barcodes, personalized health and diet tips based on the foods you scan, weight loss support, motivational insights, and tailored food-based education based on health conditionsGlucose Buddy:Best for Tracking Blood SugarPlans range from $19.99 to $59.99 per monthiOS and AndroidTrack blood sugar readings, log meals, 12-week diabetes education plan, nutritional insights, track exercise data, and print out reports for your medical providerMyFitnessPal:Best for Food TrackingFree plan; Premium options are $19.99/ month or $79.99/ yeariOS and AndroidMeal and activity log, customized recommendations based on goals, supportive community, track progress over time, meal plans, and custom carb tracking toolsGuide to Choosing a Diabetes Management AppWhen choosing a product, the best app for managing diabetes will depend on your specific diagnosis and the features that best meet your needs and budget. For example, the Glucose Buddy app offers top-of-the-line blood sugar tracking but tends to be pricey when compared with other services.Free versions of these diabetes management apps provide basic features to help you manage diet, exercise, and other factors that contribute to your wellness. Keep in mind that many of these free apps charge for premium features or, in the case of BlueStar Diabetes, require a prescription to use the insulin-related features, like dosage calculation.You’ll also want to consider the technology needed to support the apps you choose. Your healthcare provider can help to discuss these options with you. This will help to ensure the app you use will give you the data and features that you need.Frequently Asked QuestionsA diabetes app is a software program that helps people manage their diabetes. Some apps provide management tools for glucose tracking. Others are super helpful for monitoring carbs and physical activity.Diabetes apps offer food and exercise tracking apps that allow you to scan product barcodes for nutrition data. There are diabetes management tools like medication reminders and alerts for when it’s time to self-test your blood sugar levels. Some apps even integrate with your healthcare provider’s portal for personalized insights about your condition.Using a diabetes app can help you better manage your condition. Many apps have interactive features that let you input data and track your progress, as well as offer lifestyle tips and reminders to establish and maintain healthy habits that can positively impact your condition.Plus, some diabetes apps connect you to communities of people who have similar health interests and challenges.Tracking your carb intake is a vital part of managing your condition and diet. All of the apps on our list (except for Medical ID) offer carb-counting tools. Some of them might be a feature for the Pro version of the app, so do a little digging to find out.Yes, there are many free apps for diabetics. BlueStar Diabetes is the only app on our list that is completely free. The other apps all have free options or trials and then also have paid premium options.MethodologyOur methodology for evaluating diabetes apps is comprehensive and unbiased. We looked at key diabetes app features, assessed user reviews, researched the target markets for each contender, and used expert opinions to determine which apps are best for managing your condition.Only apps with a strong ability to meet a user’s needs made the cut. We eliminated any apps that had a significant number of negative reviews, were hard to navigate, or didn’t provide valuable benefits or information for people with diabetes. Our thorough research and comprehensive analysis of each app helps our readers to make the best possible decision for their diabetes management needs.
Guide to Choosing a Diabetes Management App
When choosing a product, the best app for managing diabetes will depend on your specific diagnosis and the features that best meet your needs and budget. For example, the Glucose Buddy app offers top-of-the-line blood sugar tracking but tends to be pricey when compared with other services.
Free versions of these diabetes management apps provide basic features to help you manage diet, exercise, and other factors that contribute to your wellness. Keep in mind that many of these free apps charge for premium features or, in the case of BlueStar Diabetes, require a prescription to use the insulin-related features, like dosage calculation.
You’ll also want to consider the technology needed to support the apps you choose. Your healthcare provider can help to discuss these options with you. This will help to ensure the app you use will give you the data and features that you need.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA diabetes app is a software program that helps people manage their diabetes. Some apps provide management tools for glucose tracking. Others are super helpful for monitoring carbs and physical activity.Diabetes apps offer food and exercise tracking apps that allow you to scan product barcodes for nutrition data. There are diabetes management tools like medication reminders and alerts for when it’s time to self-test your blood sugar levels. Some apps even integrate with your healthcare provider’s portal for personalized insights about your condition.Using a diabetes app can help you better manage your condition. Many apps have interactive features that let you input data and track your progress, as well as offer lifestyle tips and reminders to establish and maintain healthy habits that can positively impact your condition.Plus, some diabetes apps connect you to communities of people who have similar health interests and challenges.Tracking your carb intake is a vital part of managing your condition and diet. All of the apps on our list (except for Medical ID) offer carb-counting tools. Some of them might be a feature for the Pro version of the app, so do a little digging to find out.Yes, there are many free apps for diabetics. BlueStar Diabetes is the only app on our list that is completely free. The other apps all have free options or trials and then also have paid premium options.
A diabetes app is a software program that helps people manage their diabetes. Some apps provide management tools for glucose tracking. Others are super helpful for monitoring carbs and physical activity.
Diabetes apps offer food and exercise tracking apps that allow you to scan product barcodes for nutrition data. There are diabetes management tools like medication reminders and alerts for when it’s time to self-test your blood sugar levels. Some apps even integrate with your healthcare provider’s portal for personalized insights about your condition.
Using a diabetes app can help you better manage your condition. Many apps have interactive features that let you input data and track your progress, as well as offer lifestyle tips and reminders to establish and maintain healthy habits that can positively impact your condition.Plus, some diabetes apps connect you to communities of people who have similar health interests and challenges.
Tracking your carb intake is a vital part of managing your condition and diet. All of the apps on our list (except for Medical ID) offer carb-counting tools. Some of them might be a feature for the Pro version of the app, so do a little digging to find out.
Yes, there are many free apps for diabetics. BlueStar Diabetes is the only app on our list that is completely free. The other apps all have free options or trials and then also have paid premium options.
Our methodology for evaluating diabetes apps is comprehensive and unbiased. We looked at key diabetes app features, assessed user reviews, researched the target markets for each contender, and used expert opinions to determine which apps are best for managing your condition.
Only apps with a strong ability to meet a user’s needs made the cut. We eliminated any apps that had a significant number of negative reviews, were hard to navigate, or didn’t provide valuable benefits or information for people with diabetes. Our thorough research and comprehensive analysis of each app helps our readers to make the best possible decision for their diabetes management needs.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.BlueStar Diabetes.Frequently asked questions.Dugas M, Wang W, Crowley K, et al.Engagement and outcomes associated with contextual annotation features of a digital health solution.J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2022;16(4):804-811. doi:10.1177/1932296820976409
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.BlueStar Diabetes.Frequently asked questions.Dugas M, Wang W, Crowley K, et al.Engagement and outcomes associated with contextual annotation features of a digital health solution.J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2022;16(4):804-811. doi:10.1177/1932296820976409
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
BlueStar Diabetes.Frequently asked questions.Dugas M, Wang W, Crowley K, et al.Engagement and outcomes associated with contextual annotation features of a digital health solution.J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2022;16(4):804-811. doi:10.1177/1932296820976409
BlueStar Diabetes.Frequently asked questions.
Dugas M, Wang W, Crowley K, et al.Engagement and outcomes associated with contextual annotation features of a digital health solution.J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2022;16(4):804-811. doi:10.1177/1932296820976409
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