Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is becoming increasingly popular among people looking to optimize their health and performance. The Ultrahuman app and patch have gained attention with their sleek design and marketing. We recently tried Ultrahuman and here is why we think you should think twice before you should buy it.

1. Ultrahuman Is Expensive for No Good Reason

The Ultrahuman system is built around a Freestyle Libre CGM sensor, which is already available without needing a separate ecosystem Ultrahuman ecosystem will provide you with flashy interfaces that won’t give additional benefits if you’re already used to analyzing your glucose values. Ultrahuman therefore adds a layer of cost without adding significant value. You end up paying a premium for what is essentially a different interface.

2. Ultrahuman Patch irritation and oversized

The use of the Ultrahuman patch above the Freestyle Libre sensor has reported to lead to skin irritation for some users. The patch is also quite big. We measured it to be 8cm (3.15inch). While the FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensor is 3.5cm (1.38inch) in diameter and the FreeStyle Libre 3 Sensor is just 2.1cm (0.83inch) in diameter.

3. Privacy and Data Control

With Ultrahuman, your health data is likely being collected and stored in their cloud-based ecosystem. Your data can be used for several purposes according to their Privacy Statement, including:

• “Developing machine learning algorithms and tools to improve targeting of Services, and other products and services.”
• “Creating insights for corporate / business strategy and marketing operations of Ultrahuman”
• “Research, analysis, case studies for the development and improvement of products and Services”

With the right open-source diabetes management tools no company can profit from your health data or use it for commercial gain.

4. Limited Interconnectivity

Ultrahuman relies on proprietary hardware, such as its dedicated patch, and while it collects user data, it doesn’t allow that data to be transferred to systems like AndroidAPS, Trio, or Loop. While there is potential for future integration through their Partnership API program, the current options seem limited.

In contrast, open-source software offers more freedom, enabling seamless integration between various hardware and software. For example, Juggluco is an independent app that interfaces directly with Freestyle Libre sensors. It provides real-time glucose readings from devices like the FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitor and allows data to be transferred to multiple platforms, such as xDrip, AndroidAPS, or Nightscout.

Conclusion

Currently, Ultrahuman markets itself as a cutting-edge biohacking tool, but for those having to deal with type 1 diabetes, it’s seems an overpriced front-end for the Freestyle Libre sensor. If you want true freedom, real-time access, and better data control — open-source might be a better choice. Before spending money on Ultrahuman’s ecosystem, try Juggluco and/or xDrip+, and see if it meets your needs first.