Skip to main content

    Diabetes Management Apps

    25%+ of seniors have diabetes. Tech makes it manageable.

    Glucose Buddy

    FREE

    Track BG, meds, food. Free + popular.

    Best free.

    mySugr

    FREE / $3/mo

    Logbook + insulin calculator. Senior-friendly.

    Best logbook.

    One Drop

    $5/mo

    Coach + supplies + glucose meter included.

    Best with coach.

    Dexcom G7

    $300/mo or insurance

    CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor). Real-time.

    Best CGM.

    FreeStyle Libre 3

    $200/mo or insurance

    CGM. 14-day sensor. No fingersticks.

    Best low-cost CGM.

    CGM is the game-changer

    • Continuous Glucose Monitor — patch on arm. No fingersticks.
    • Reads BG every 5 min, 24/7.
    • Phone shows trends + alerts highs/lows.
    • Medicare covers for Type 1 + Type 2 on insulin (2023+).
    • Often $0 with Medicare + most Advantage plans.
    • Ask doctor — most don't mention without prompt.

    Daily routine

    • Check BG morning + before/after meals.
    • Log carbs + meals.
    • Insulin per doctor's plan.
    • Walk 10-15 min after meals (lowers BG).
    • Foot check daily (see /tools/foot-care-seniors).
    • Eye exam annually (diabetic retinopathy).
    • A1C blood test every 3-6 months.

    Diabetes-friendly food

    • Low-carb veggies — broccoli, spinach, peppers.
    • Lean protein every meal.
    • Whole grains over white.
    • Berries (small portions) instead of high-sugar fruit.
    • Limit white rice, white bread, soda, juice.
    • Plate method: ½ veggies, ¼ protein, ¼ carbs.

    Free resources

    Diabetes.org (ADA) — recipes, free magazine. NIDDK — niddk.nih.gov. Medicare DSMT — Diabetes Self-Management Training, covered, find local. Beyond Type 2 — community + tips. Talk to certified diabetes educator (CDE) — most plans cover.