Fitbit is looking to expand its capabilities in the health sector beyond simply tracking fitness.
To this end, the company is partnering with a major medical device manufacturer to help people with diabetes manage their glucose levels directly from their smartwatch.
Fitbit has just announced a new glucose monitor, created in partnership with Dexcom. The partnership will bring Dexcom data to Fitbit's upcoming Ionic smartwatch, where glucose levels will be accessible alongside the device's step count, heart rate, and other stats.
The device won't offer continuous glucose monitoring capabilities on its own, as diabetics will need to connect one of Dexcom's devices to the Fitbit. However, putting the data on the smartwatch will make daily monitoring a simpler experience.
The Ionic will be released sometime next month, but it won't have Dexcom functionality yet. The two companies say they're "targeting 2018" for connectivity, and more areas of collaboration are also in discussion.
Fitbit isn't Dexcom's first wearable deal. The company's technology is also an upcoming feature for the Apple Watch at WWDC in June. Users who use Dexcom monitors can already use the Apple Watch to see their data — but it's just a view from the iPhone app.
Apple is rumored to be working on its own non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring monitor for a future version of the Watch, a feature that could spark Fitbit to include the feature in its products as well.
