Gifts for Diabetics: The Ultimate Guide (Always Updated)

Finding a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member with diabetes can be hard. That’s why I created this Ultimate Guide to Gifts for Diabetics!

Gifts for diabetics used to be less exciting than getting socks for Christmas, but now there are so many beautiful, useful or just plain cool diabetes products available that I really want to share them with you!

All the items in this guide are things that I either already own, or that I would be excited to unwrap myself. We deal with diabetes 24/7, so why not add a little color, technology, information and fun to make our everyday diabetes management a little less clinical and a little more tolerable?

I will update this guide whenever I find a new product that deserves to be on it, so it will always be the Ultimate Guide to Gifts for Diabetics, no matter when you’re reading it. If you use a product that you think I should include, please leave a link in the comments below so that I can check it out.

When you have read this guide, remember to also check out my Ultimate Fitness Gift Guide for the best fitness equipment, gadgets, and accessories.

Think before you buy: Diabetes can be overwhelming sometimes, and not everyone will appreciate getting a diabetes-related gift on a day that should be all about fun, family, and friends. If in doubt, I suggest you buy a gift that is useful for people with diabetes without being made specifically for people with diabetes (like the workout pants or Apple watch).

This post contains affiliate links.  

Diabetes cases from Myabetic

We look at our testing supplies and injection devices every day, faithfully carrying them around wherever we go. The girls at Myabetic decided to make that experience a little less medical and ugly looking by creating beautiful high-quality diabetes supply carrying purses and cases. They even have options for men (who may prefer cases that are a little less feminine), and children, so they have us all covered. I love my Myabetic purse and Dexcom case and use them every day!

You can use the code DIABETESSTRONG to get 15% off all your Myabetic products!

Medical ID jewelry from Lauren’s Hope

I really like jewelry (who doesn’t?), so why not combine a pretty necklace or bracelet with a potentially lifesaving medical ID tag? That’s what the creator of Lauren’s Hope set out to do and the results are amazing!

Wearing some sort of medical alert identification is obviously a smart choice for people living with diabetes (or anybody who might end up in a situation where they need medical help), and if you want a beautiful and discreet way to do it, jewelry from Lauren’s Hope is the perfect option.

Workout pants from Athleta

These workout pants from Athleta are fantastic for everyone who works out, but especially for those of us who have to haul our diabetes gear around all the time. Many of their pants have pockets, perfect for your pump, receiver, glucose tabs or phone.

The newer designs even have a small pocket on the side with a zipper so you won’t lose any small items. I love that the zipper is on the side so it won’t dig into my back when I’m doing exercises on the floor.

Diabetes books

Knowledge is everything when it comes to diabetes, and expanding your knowledge will only make life easier. All of these books are written by diabetics I highly respect, and will give you more insights into the complexity of diabetes, exercise, yoga, and mental health.

1. Fit With Diabetes by Christel Oerum (myself)
2. The Diabetic Muscle and Fitness Guide by Phil Graham
3. The Diabetic Athlete’s Handbook by Sheri Colberg
4. Your Diabetes Science Experiment by Ginger Vieira
5. Yoga For Diabetes: How to Manage your Health with Yoga and Ayurveda by Rachel Zinman

You can also take a look at this list of the 21 best diabetes books for more ideas.

Apple watch

If you wear a Dexcom CGM like me, being able to see your blood sugar readings on your Apple Watch is absolutely brilliant.

I’ve always wanted an Apple Watch anyway because I like the look, but now I also have a diabetes-related reason to put in on my wishlist and add it to my Ultimate Guide to Gifts for Diabetics (listen up hubby!). You have to have an iPhone for it to work, but I’m ok with that.

Strong with Diabetes T-shirts, tanks, V-necks, and hoodies

If you want to show someone that you think he or she is a total “diabadass”, nothing says it better than a Strong with Diabetes T-shirt or tank!

You can get several different designs, styles, and colors. Just click the design you like in our online store and you will get the option to choose style, color, and size.

CGM tapes from ExpressionMed

ExpressionMed is in the business of making diabetes management a little more fun and fashionable. If looking at a CGM covered in flowers (or a heart) makes your day a little brighter, then why the heck not? I love them because they make my diabetes gear a little more colorful and because they secure the sensor so it won’t fall off before the 10-day wear time is up.

There are several companies that offer diabetes device tapes and covers, check out my review of the available products HERE

Diabetes accessory belt from Spibelt

Spibelt (Small Personal Item Belt) is a brilliant little pouch belt that you can store your diabetes essentials in when running or just jumping around. Their medical line belts also have holes for pump tubing!

Diabetes coaching and personal training

If you are looking to sharpen your diabetes management skills and take your fitness to the next level, I would love to help you!

I’m a certified personal trainer, specializing in fitness and diabetes (level 3 certified with the Diabetes Motion Academy) and am a type 1 diabetic myself, so I understand the challenges involved in exercising and dieting with diabetes.

Whether you’re looking for one-off coaching sessions or customized workout and meal plans, I can help you out. You can find out more about my services and read a few client testimonials here.

Donate to a diabetes organization

If you have all the stuff you need and just want to help other people with diabetes, maybe asking for a donation in your name could be an option. I’ve listed 3 organizations that all work hard to help people living with diabetes, whether it’s through research, community-building, or raising awareness and fighting injustice. If you are outside the US and would prefer to keep the donations within your home country, most countries have a national diabetes association you can contact and donate to instead.

1. Beyond Type 1 (BT1) – Founded in 2015, Beyond Type 1 is the new kid on the block. They have built a community for people with diabetes (check out their app), provide education, and raise awareness about diabetes. All donations go directly to these programs. They also have really good information about diabetes-related subjects on their website. You can even find fitness advice written by yours truly.
2. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) – The JDRF is a global organization funding diabetes research. Local branches have extensive community activities, education, and advocacy programs. I’m personally involved with JDRFs Los Angeles Young Leadership Committee (YLC), a small fundraising and community building group.
3. American Diabetes Association (ADA) – The American Diabetes Association is the largest of the diabetes organizations. Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. You’ll find a ton of resources regarding everything diabetes-related on their website as well as local support.

As you can see, there are a lot of great diabetes-related gifts to put on your wish list. If I missed anything, let me know in the comments below and I will add it to my Ultimate Guide to Gifts for Diabetics!

If you didn’t find the perfect gift in this guide, check out my Ultimate Fitness Gift Guide for more great gifts!

Happy Holidays!