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Outside of CGM or insulin pumps, are there any other T1D related technologies that have helped you better monitor your T1D? Share in the comments what they are!
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It’s an older technology but still I have to use it on occasion: my Contour Next blood glucose meter. It was very helpful today when my Dexcom went awol 3 times for about an hour each time.
Good olde fashion blood test strips. Medicare won’t pay for them because I use a CGM. But, I still need to use blood test strips when I’m in the warm up part of installing a new CGM, and on occasions when my CGM goes awry.
#1 – My brain.
#2 – GPT Chat for menu planning
#3 – Good ole’ reliable Prime Blood glucose monitor
Always good to keep a small glucose meter nearby. I find they can be more reliable than a CGM.
Apple watch and iPhone.
I still find finger prick meters very useful.
I rarely use it, but I do have a Contour Next meter to fall back on as needed.
BG meters and also data management platforms, like Glooko help me to analyze my OP5 data and share with my HCP
I incorrectly answered no. Just like everyone else, I still rely on my glucose meter.
I find Siri in my auto to be quite helpful in telling me my glucose while driving. I don’t want to look down to my phone or watch for this info so I just ask and it tells me my levels and whether it is climbing, level or falling.
I use it that way too. “Hey Siri, what’s my glucose”–very handy for checking status without taking your eyes off the road. For anyone who doesn’t know: in the Dexcom app, go to Settings > Siri Shortcuts to set it up.
Tell me more about Siri in your car. Interested.
Carbohydrate Counter App. I personally like Chronometer, but there many to choose from.
Pixel clock can glance over and see BS without looking at watch. Nice at night and for lazy people like me
InPen. Going back to a pump but have used for MDI for three years. Can see all data on app
Tried iPod for injections but didn’t work for me.
Glucose meter and carbohydrate counting apps
Loop and Nightscout
Yes, my bluetooth connected insulin pen is a blessing. Along with the associated app, It helps me keep track of active onboard insulin, etc.
Juicebox podcast: type 1 diabetes podcasts and Facebook group for lots of great information and tips. Cronometer for carb counting. Fitbit watch for easily checking blood glucose. Apps for keeping track of data and contour next meter for double checking( you can get a free one from an offer on the Juicebox podcast)
For sick days when dehydration is an issue, blood ketone test strips have been great!
I use Sugarmate, which is a widget that feeds off the Dexcom Share channel and displays in the top status bar of my MacBook desktop, and Glance, also Share connected, that I use as my primary Fitbit watch face (requires Versa 2 or other app-capable Fitbit model). Basically the main reason I purchased a smartwatch was to have my BG on my wrist, and Versa 2 was the cheapest solution.
CamAPS
I use my smart phone for alarms…to bolus prior to meals.
It is so amazing that we are so dependent on a “communication” device to understand our Diabetes. It’s a long way from trying to interpret how ‘Green the TestTape is”
Or, George Lovelace, how blue, green, brown the test tube turns. 🤣
The data visualizations integrating my BG and pump numbers in Glooko makes it easy for me to see if I’m meeting the goal markers I’ve set for my diabetes care. I see weekly measures as well as daily ones, and use these to help me see optimal health.
YES! Technosphere Insulin a.k.a. AFREZZA inhaled Insulin… everyone thinks of new technologies as something with a microchip or a screen… how about whole new insulin delivery technology?!
After 100 years since insulin was discovered and became injectable… now it’s inhaled. I’d say that is a leap forward and revolutionary.
#Inhale-3 study… check it!
Precision and control of my BG when I want it…
I consider my Fitbit watch part of my medical technology. It measures both my sleep and activity.
My Dexcom is only half of my diabetes help. Because I am so used to hearing the alerts, too often I tune them out and they get ignored. Without my husband following me and sending me texts and finding me to inform me of my bs Dexcom would not be as effective.
My InPen for MDI! The best!
Diabetes community websites have given me a tremendous boost of knowledge learning through the experience(s) of others before me.
I use mySugr app and happy bob app
Yes! A good electronic kitchen scale and measuring devices to get more precise carb counting.
My Contour Next glucose meter. I rely on that meter to confirm Dexcom CGM results because I no longer am aware of any hypo or hyper symptoms,
Smart phones that can run apps to view and interact with my pump and CGM.
Should’ve answered yes cause I use my smart phone to run everything
Clarity, Glooko.
apple watch with CGM numbers.
The good old finger prick blood sugar test.
Even though I don’t often use my blood glucose monitor now, it was an important part of my being able to keep care of myself better than using urine testing. I was diagnosed in 1973 so urine testing was used back then, and that is a very inaccurate way of keeping control over blood sugar.
I use xdrip+ on my Android phone and smartwatch, particularly for the watch face with my CGM trend.
I have the Oura ring that monitors my sleep and recovery. I find these useful. The apps to log foods I eat have great value too.
My iPhone and my Apple Watch to connect with my CGM. Siri to tell me my CGM readings while I’m driving and while I’m in bed and don’t want to open my eyes. The vibration and sound alarms on my Apple Watch that wake me up in the night. I recently separated from my husband of 35 years so am understandably nervous about not waking up if I go too low.
Also the MyFitnessPal carb calculator on my phone. And the Dexcom PDM for calculating insulin dosages.
Wow, I’m a cyborg!
The basic blood glucose monitor is still vital. In the past one went to the lab to get a blood glucose test and wanted days to get the result. (My father drove to the lab and was checked on, days after a test, because his BS was 50. Needless to say that info was useless days after.)
Now I must calibrate my CGM initially and periodically so the CGM isn’t giving false readings. (This falsely not acknowledged by Medicare who believes my CGM doesn’t require finger sticks.)
I’ve been a T1D long enough to remember testing glucose with urine test strips. Blood testing was a huge improvement, even though it took years to evolve into CGM.
New to me is using Alexa to find carb values for food / snacks. So much easier than tapping details into an app.
Technology? My Fitness Pal helps with carb counting, especially away from home.
Android Apps
App – Carb Manager
App – CalorieKing
App – Clarity (Dexcom accessory app)
Hardware – Samsung Galaxy Watch (linked to Dexcom G6 sensor)
Not sure if this counts, but u use a Garmin on my bike so I get readings (from Dexcom) where I can see them conveniently.
Medtronic CGM allowed my wife to monitor my diabetes with her phone. It notifies her when I’m not too aware
My blood glucose meter! I had much better control with it on MDI than I have since going on a pump and using a CGM.
I have to say this e-community has helped me make some good decisions about pumps, CGMs, insurance, etc. so thank you.
I answered Yes because the tools I use are not the CGM or insulin pump itself. I heavily use the CGM and insulin pump apps along with BG meter apps. In addition, I frequently run detailed reports on both the CGM data and the insulin pump data as provided by the manufacturers.
Sugar mate has been extremely helpful
DIY AID
I use an app called Cockpit. Great little Apple for Loopers