MiniMed^™ Paradigm^™ system frequently asked questions

Three daily tips can help you take care of your insulin pump so it takes care of you!

1. Use a pump case: Silicone pump cases can help provide a cushion against bumps during your daily activities.
2. Keep it secure: If your pump touches your skin, turn the buttons away from your body to reduce long term moisture exposure. Consider a waist pouch while exercising.
3. Soft button pushing: When pushing the buttons on your pump, use the side or pad of your finger. Try to avoid sharp objects like keys or the tips of long or acrylic fingernails.

Check out 10 Best Practice Tips for Insulin Pump Care for more tips!

The Temporary Basal Rate (Temp Basal) feature lets you immediately increase or decrease your basal insulin for the period of time (duration) that you set. It is often used for exercise and sick days. A Temp Basal can be set in either Percent (delivers a percent of the current basal rate) or by Rate (delivers the amount that you enter). Follow these instructions to select, deliver and cancel a Temp Basal.

Refer to the Changing Your Quick-set^™ Infusion Set webpage for instructions on how to change your infusion set with your pump.

For other infusion set references, go to the Infusion Sets section within the Support tab.

You should calibrate when your glucose levels are stable. Exercise and eating can cause rapid changes in your glucose levels. That’s why many people choose to calibrate before meals and before bedtime.

• Try not to calibrate with multiple blood glucose (BG) meters. It’s best to stick with the same meter for all your calibrations.
• Wash your hands before checking your BG.
• Enter the BG reading into the pump right away. Don’t use old meter BG readings or previous sensor readings as a calibration.
• If your system requires a new calibration, wait at least 15 minutes between calibration entries.

If you receive a "Cal Error" alert, it means that the pump couldn’t update your sensor using the blood glucose (BG) value you entered. This could be because the BG entered was not within a range the system was anticipating. It may also be caused by rapidly changing glucose levels, delayed or incorrect BG entries, or it may be an indication the sensor is not working properly. If you receive a “Cal Error” alert, wait approximately one hour (or until your BG is stable) and then try to calibrate. If you have recently eaten, exercised, or taken insulin, you might need to wait a little longer than an hour.

You can use the Cal Reminder to give you notice before the next calibration is necessary. For example, if you calibrated at 7:00 a.m. your next calibration would be due at 7:00 p.m. (12 hours later). If your reminder is set for 1 hour, you would receive a Calibration Reminder at 6:00 p.m. which is 1 hour before the calibration is due. This can help ensure you calibrate 3-4 times a day. The Calibration Reminder defaults On with a reminder time of 1:00 hour.

To change the Cal Reminder:

1. Open the EDIT SETTINGS screen.
2. Select Cal Reminder, then press ACT. The SET CAL REMINDER screen shows On.
3. Press ACT. The SET CAL REMINDER screen flashes the Cal Reminder default time of 1 hour (1:00).
4. Select your Cal Reminder time between 5 minutes (0:05) and 6 hours (6:00).
5. Press ACT. The EDIT SETTINGS screen shows the Cal Reminder time you selected.

Alerts with the system are customizable. You can adjust your low, high, and calibration alert settings. Be sure to work with your healthcare provider who can help you determine how to optimize your settings.

Learn more on how to adjust your settings.

A few things might have happened:

• You might have received two consecutive “Cal Error” notifications. If this happens, you need to replace the sensor.
• If alert happens without two “Cal Error” screens, use the transmitter’s tester to make sure the transmitter is working properly.
• If “Change Sensor” occurs during initialization, call Medtronic 24-Hour Technical Support at 1-800-646-4633 option 1 for assistance.

To silence, or clear an alert or alarm, press Escape, followed by ACT.

Check out the Quick Reference for CGM Alarm and Alerts in your Getting Started with CGM for the MiniMed^™ 530G System or the Alerts section of the Getting Started with Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Paradigm REAL-Time Revel^™ for the most common alerts, reason they occur and steps to take.

The Enlite^™ sensor is approved for use on your abdomen.

We have a recommended method for taping that we have found is effective for most people who wear CGM. It requires you to use the two pieces of Overtape supplied with each sensor. Check out the additional tape tips if you’re experiencing adhesion or skin irritation issues.

Here are some things you can try to help get up to 6 days wear out of your glucose sensor:

• Follow our taping instructions. Incorrect taping is one of the most common reasons why sensors won’t stay in place.
• Try using a liquid adhesive to help your tape stick for longer. Make sure to apply the extra adhesive after you insert your sensor and before you put your tape on.

Check out Additional Tape Tips: Options for Securing the Enlite Sensor. Check with your healthcare team about solutions that may be best for you.

You can purchase adhesives and tapes at www.Diabetes.Shop or through the product manufacturer’s website – a full list of product recommendations can be found here.

Contact 24-Hour Technical Support at 1-800-646-4633 option 1 for technical assistance or to report product issues. They can also provide a sample kit with various tapes and adhesives.

Please sign in to your online account to complete the sensor replacement form. (We recommend getting your sensor lot number ready before you begin the process.)

Even if you have an online Medtronic account, a unique login is needed for CareLink^™ software. Learn how to create a CareLink account.

The CareLink^™ uploader allows you to upload the information in your pump or meter to the CareLink^™ website. Learn how to set up CareLink^™ on your computer.

Check out the Upload Guide for easy steps for your first or next pump upload.

The Sensor and Meter Overview Report is designed to help you view your glucose management. Watch this video to see how CareLink^™ reports can help you better communicate with your healthcare provider to assist them in adjusting and improving your diabetes management.

You can also explore interactive PDFs for Sensor and Meter Overview Report Page 1, Sensor and Meter Overview Report Page 2 and Sensor and Meter Overview Report Page 3.

Pack extras of everything– insulin, infusion sets, sensors, reservoirs, alcohol swabs, sensor tape, extra compatible batteries for your pump, and even syringes in cases of emergency. The mentality is, “it’s better to have more of what you need, than not enough.” Check out our full travel checklist here.

The TSA allows for diabetes-related supplies, equipment and medication—including liquids—through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection.

If possible, pack all your supplies together in your carry-on bag so you have everything on hand. Before your screening begins, inform the officer conducting the screening about any supplies on you or in your carry-on.

Read more about flying with your diabetes supplies at how-to pass-through security before boarding your flight.

• Check your BG. Know your levels so you can act appropriately!
• Snack as needed – a snack may work best to keep your glucose in target.
• Use the Temp Basal feature with the guidance of your healthcare team to stay in target during and after exercise. Everyone is different!
• Consider a waist pouch while exercising.
• Review your CareLink™ data – check for trends to gain insights on how exercise impacts your glucose.

We recommend ordering when you open your last box of sensors or infusion sets. To order supplies, you have three options:

1. Sign up for Scheduled Orders or place your one-time order at www.Diabetes.Shop.
2. Text SUPPLY to 22094 to start the order process.
3. Call us between 8 a.m. — 6 p.m. CT Monday — Friday at 1-800-646-4633, option 2.

If you order sensors through a distributor, you’ll need to contact them directly to place your next order.

For all things finances, from how to pay your bill to options for financial assistance, visit this page.

Visit the Support section for more answers to frequently asked questions, or call our 24-Hour Technical Support team at 1-800-646-4633, option 1.