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Finding thoughtful gifts for friends and family living with diabetes can be difficult. That’s why we created this guide.
Gifts for diabetes have never been more appealing than receiving stockings for Christmas, but now there are so many diabetes products that are beautiful, useful, or just plain cool that we want to share with you.
How we chose diabetic gift ideas
All of the items in this guide are items that I either already own or look forward to opening for myself.
We update this guide whenever we find new products worthy of inclusion in this guide, so no matter when you read it, it’s always the ultimate guide to gifts for diabetics.
Please consider the following before purchasing: Life with diabetes can be difficult at times, but not everyone is happy to receive a diabetes-related gift on a day that is supposed to be fun with family and friends. When in doubt, buy gifts that are helpful to diabetics but clearly not made for diabetics, such as a foot massager or an Apple Watch.
Sugar Medical Diabetic Wallets and Cases
Sugar Medical has set out to create stylish accessories for diabetes cases and wallets.
Most of their products are fabric and relatively affordable, but the quality is still high (check out my favorites: Diabetes Triple Zip Purse and Insulated Travel Bag).
Watch this short video to see how I use my Sugar Medical bag while traveling.
Many cases and wallets have an insulated pocket for insulin and include a unique feature, the Sugar Medical Test Strip Trashcan.
This is a small slit in your case or wallet where you place your used test strips into a small separate compartment. That means you won’t end up with a graveyard of test strips at the bottom of your case or wallet.
Use code DIABETESSTRONG to get 10% off all Sugar Medical products.
sugar dash
Sugardash is an external monitor for Dexcom or Libre CGM. Honestly, this is one of those products I didn’t know I needed until I tried it. I had seen other external displays online, but I didn’t understand their appeal until I actually put one on my desk.
It’s very convenient to be able to check your blood sugar levels at a glance without checking your phone or watch. There’s no alarm, so it’s not annoying, but the color alert lets you know right away if you’re in range (green) or drifting out of range (yellow or red).
Can include up to 6 users on one device. You can connect via Dexcom, Libre, or Nightscout, but you must be online to work.
Purchase at Sugar Dash
SPIBelt diabetic accessory belt
The SPIBelt (Small Personal Items Belt) is designed as a fanny pack. For people living with diabetes. Perfect for storing diabetic essentials while running, working out, or just flying around. The medical line belt also has a hole for the pump tube.
I don’t wear an insulin pump, but this is my go-to belt when I’m running or going to the gym and don’t have a pocket.
The belt won’t move or bounce around while you run like other belts. I use this when I run and carry my phone, glucose meter, ID, glucose tab, and keys with me.
Buy at SPIBelt
Lauren’s Hope Medical ID Jewelry
I love jewelry (who doesn’t?). Why not pair a cute necklace or bracelet with a potentially life-saving medical ID tag? That’s what the creators of Lauren’s Hope set out to do, and the results are amazing.
For anyone living with diabetes (or anyone who may find themselves in a situation where they need medical help), wearing some sort of medical badge is obviously a smart move, and if you want a beautiful and discreet way to do it, Lauren’s Hope jewelry is a great option.
A great gift idea for that special person in your life.
You can see my Lauren’s Hope medical ID bracelet in the image below.
MyID medical ID accessories
MyID takes medical identity to a whole new level. Most products come equipped with wearable QR codes (quick response codes, much like barcodes) that provide easy access to medical information in digital format.
You decide what information to include in your profile, and when the code is scanned, that information will be shared with EMTs and hospital staff.
MyID offers a wide range of options including watch sleeves, bracelets, ID tags, wallet cards, stickers, and more.
At its most basic, wearable MyID is a medical ID sleeve that attaches to your watch. I have a bright pink sleeve that I wear with my FitBit watch.
Visit MyID Store to see all products.
This is a video on how to wear the MyID Watch Sleeve.
A smartwatch that works with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
If you wear a Dexcom CGM like I do, it’s really great to be able to see your blood sugar readings right on your wrist. Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Garmin both offer that solution.
Only Apple and Garmin have the official Dexcom app, but you can also download an unofficial watch face to your FitBit (see how in this YouTube video) and it works just as well.
The Apple Watch offers a Direct-to-Watch solution, but with other Watches, the person wearing the Dexcom still needs to carry their phone and be within 6 feet of the Dexcom for this to work.
You can read my review on the best smartwatches for diabetics to learn more and buy my recommended smartwatches here.
As you can see here, I’m using Fitbit with the Dexcom app on my home screen.
Most people enjoy foot massages, but for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, Foot massage may help improve blood sugar levels, increase blood circulation, and reduce some symptoms. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Why not add a foot massager to your wishlist? Most foot massagers are small enough to be easily stored in a closet when not in use, and all you need to install them is plug them into an electrical outlet.
All you have to do is sit back and enjoy your massage. That seems like a great gift to me.
Find the best model for your application You’ll need it for my review of the best foot massagers for diabetics (or buy my #1 ranked Shiatsu Foot & Calf Massager)).
lily’s chocolate
It’s a long-standing joke that diabetic chocolate, also known as unsweetened chocolate, is so bad that you should only give it to people you hate.
However, things have changed in recent years, and I think Lily’s chocolate is the gold standard when it comes to sugar-free chocolate.
Lilly’s currently offers chocolate bars, baking chocolate, chocolate covered nuts, peanut butter cups (which will make you completely forget about the full sugar ones), and other candy options.
Various sweeteners are used in Lilly’s various products, but they do not contain maltitol, maltodextrin, or glucose.
Lily’s chocolates can also be purchased on Amazon.
4AllFamily Insulin Cooling Case
The 4AllFamily Cooler is the perfect solution for keeping your insulin cool while traveling or in hot locations (like the beach). When I reviewed the best insulin coolers and travel cases, this was my first choice.
We also did a full review and demonstration of the 4AllFamily cooler on YouTube.
They come in a wide range of sizes, from coolers for one pen to ones that can easily fit seven insulin pens.
I like this smaller one for short trips because it’s very light and keeps insulin below 79°F (26°C) for up to 16 hours. Temperature and cooling time vary depending on outside temperature.
But what makes 4AllFamily unique is the cooler, which comes with a USB lid.
Get a portable medical refrigerator lid and turn your cooler into a mini-fridge as long as it’s plugged into an electrical outlet. This means that when you plug it in, it can keep your insulin at 36-46°F (2-8°C) forever.
You can purchase the 4AllFamily cooler on Amazon.
cold case
The Frio Cooling Case is perfect for keeping your insulin at the right temperature when you’re traveling or out in the sun. With the Frio case, you can go for long stretches without worrying about access to your refrigerator.
What makes this different from other cooling cases is that you don’t need an ice pack or refrigerator. Just soak the pouch in water and it will keep your insulin at the right temperature for at least 2 days.
After 2 days, re-soak the pouches in water and cool for another 2 days.
You can purchase the Frio Cooling Case on Amazon.
Shimmer for a Cure Jewelry
What I love about the Shimmer for a Cure collection is that it combines cute jewelry with diabetes awareness.
The designer of this collection has diabetes and is working with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).
Skyline Royal Collection is “Conveying, empowering and educating people living with diabetes with messages of strength and resilience” includes necklaces, rings, earrings, scented candles, T-shirts, and more.
My favorites from the Skyline Royale collection are the tennis bracelet and hoop earrings, but there are so many other options and they’re reasonably priced.
You can check out the collection on our website.
diabetic barbie
Yes, I got a diabetic Barbie. She spent at least a few days with a family with type 1 diabetes before finding her forever home.
This isn’t for everyone, but for those of us who grew up playing with Barbie dolls, it’s pretty incredible to finally have a doll that represents our community.
Diabetic Barbie is equipped with a CGM and an insulin pump, which we hope will help break down some of the stigma that still surrounds diabetes.
She is a very special gift for children with diabetes and for anyone who loves collecting meaningful Barbie releases.
Buy on Amazon
diabetic pancreas plush toy
This is also a gift for those who are young at heart (or actually young!). Diabetes-themed stuffed animals are adorable, fun, comforting, cuddly, and relatable to children and adults living with diabetes.
Buy on Amazon
diabetes book
When it comes to diabetes, knowledge is everything, and expanding your knowledge will make your life easier.
These books are all written by people living with diabetes whom I greatly admire and will give you further insight into the complexities of diabetes, exercise, yoga, and mental health.
- Daily blood sugar, food and medication record | 3 months detailed diary by Christel Oerum (me)
- Think Like a Pancreas by Gary Shiner
- “Diabetes’ Guide to Muscle and Fitness” by Phil Graham
- “Bright Spots and Mines” by Adam Brown
- Athletes’ Guide to Diabetes (written by Sheri Kolberg)
- Your Diabetes Science Experiment by Ginger Vieira
- Yoga for Diabetes: How to Manage Your Health with Yoga and Ayurveda by Rachel Zinman
For more ideas, check out our list of the 21 best diabetes books.
Powerful goods for diabetes
Show that you or your loved one are diabetes-proof with diabetes-proof apparel and merchandise. Our designs can be found on hoodies, t-shirts, cups, bags, pouches and more.
Customize your gift by choosing your favorite design and color combination.
I have at least one of each and love the hoodie, pouch (I bought the one with the orange zipper), and coffee cup.
buy here
Donate to diabetes organizations
If you have everything you need and want to help people with diabetes, you can ask for a donation in your name.
We’ve named three organizations that are passionate about helping people living with diabetes: through research, community building, awareness and fighting injustice.
If you live outside the United States and would like your donations to stay in your home country, most countries have national diabetes associations that you can contact to donate on your behalf.
- Beyond Type 1 (BT1) – Founded in 2015, Beyond Type 1 is an up-and-coming company. They are building a community for people with diabetes (check out the app), providing education, and raising awareness about diabetes. All donations go directly to these programs. The website also contains excellent information on diabetes-related subjects. You can also find fitness advice written by you.
- Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) – Breakthrough T1D is a global organization that funds diabetes research. Local chapters conduct a wide range of community outreach, education, and advocacy programs.
- American Diabetes Association (ADA) – The American Diabetes Association is the largest diabetes organization. Their mission is to prevent and treat diabetes and improve the lives of all people living with diabetes. Our website contains a wealth of resources for all things diabetes-related information and local support.
As you can see, there are lots of great diabetes-related gifts to add to your wish list. If we missed anything, let us know in the comments below. Add to our ultimate guide to gifts for diabetics.
Have a great vacation!
