Garmin Takes its Wearables to the Next Level with Dexcom Collaboration

The partnership continues Dexcom’s deep dive into software-based solutions for diabetes.

Omar Ford

October 14, 2021

2 Min Read
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Dexcom is bringing its expertise in glucose monitoring to Garmin’s wearable offerings.

The collaboration would integrate the Dexcom Connect IQ Apps with either Garmin’s smartwatch or cycling computer.

People would be able to quickly see their glucose levels and trends- even while working out with their compatible Garmin device.

“Garmin is always looking for ways to innovate beyond the things that are core to our product lineup,” Ahuna told MD+DI. “Integrations with companies like Dexcom with a use case in CGM monitoring just makes a ton of sense.”

Ahuna said the launch was happening immediately.

“The way the solution works is Dexcom has a suite of APIs or application interfaces that allow our platforms and devices to talk to each other,” Ahuna said. “The way it works today is Dexcom’s sensor talks to the Dexcom App that the user has on the phone and that goes into Dexcom’s cloud. [Garmin] is tapping into that cloud to allow Garmin users and Dexcom users who have a Dexcom sensor to see values and trends from their Garmin smartwatch or cycling computer.”

Dexcom CTO Jake Leach said, “The addition of Garmin wearables and cycling computers to the Dexcom CGM ecosystem is an exciting advancement for Dexcom users who are now able to easily view and monitor their glucose levels from their favorite Garmin device. Garmin is our first partner to connect to Dexcom G6 through our new real-time API – showcasing the value of integrated CGM and further solidifying Dexcom G6 as the most powerful and connected CGM in the world.”

The foundation for the collaboration was established in July when FDA gave Dexcom the nod to let third parties access its CGM data. At the time Dexcom said it had courted several prominent diabetes and digital health companies to access the real-time APIs – name-dropping Garmin and Livongo, a firm Teladoc acquired for $18.5 billion.

During its 2Q21 earnings call Kevin Sayer, Dexcom’s president, CEO and chairman touted the partnerships with Garmin and Livongo – and pointed out that the company was evolving beyond a sensor company.

“We are quickly becoming a software company in addition to a sensor company,” Sayer said according to The Motley Fool’s transcript of the earnings call. “It's very exciting …”

In June, Sayer was a guest on the Let’s Talk Medtech podcast and spoke about the company’s adapting its philosophy to think of its customers as consumers instead of patients.

“It is a transformation for a medical device company to be more of a consumer company,” Sayer said during the podcast. “Typically, in our DNA we don’t think of consumers, we think of the science behind it all. When I first started here 10 years ago, science drove everything that we did. Now what is happening is we have great science, but what is driving what we do more than the science are the needs of the customers that we’re meeting.”

About the Author

Omar Ford

Omar Ford is a veteran reporter in the field of medical technology and healthcare journalism. As Editor-in-Chief of MD+DI (Medical Device and Diagnostics Industry), a leading publication in the industry, Ford has established himself as an authoritative voice and a trusted source of information.

Ford, who has a bachelor's degree in print journalism from the University of South Carolina, has dedicated his career to reporting on the latest advancements and trends in the medical device and diagnostic sector.

During his tenure at MD+DI, Ford has covered a wide range of topics, including emerging medical technologies, regulatory developments, market trends, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He has interviewed influential leaders and key opinion leaders in the field, providing readers with valuable perspectives and expert analysis.

 

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