7 tips for success with SmartGuard™ Auto Mode

Girl using MiniMed 670G insulin pump

The MiniMedTM 770G system and the MiniMedTM 670G system with SmartGuardTM Auto Mode are systems that automatically adjust basal insulin to keep you in range and help to prevent highs and lows*. When using Auto Mode, you might find there are changes in the way you manage your diabetes. To help you, we created a collection of top tips for the best experience: 

*Refers to SmartGuardTM Auto Mode. Some user interaction required. Individual results may vary. 
 

Consider Sensor Placement
 

To get things started, when you first insert your sensor, consider trying a new area to see what works best for you.

  • Ages 14+: abdomen and arms
  • Ages 7-13: abdomen and buttocks
  • Ages 2-6 (MiniMedTM 770G system only): abdomen and buttocks

Making sure your sensor is taped down well is critical for sensor performance. If you have allergies to the tape or need extra tape based on activity levels or the climate you live in, try using these tape tips or work with your healthcare team to find the best solution for you. 
 

Keep 70-180 mg/dL in Mind 
 

While SmartGuardTM Auto Mode uses a target of 120 mg/dL, its goal is to increase time spent between 70 and 180mg/dL without increasing your lows. To do this, the Auto Mode feature reviews your total daily dose over the past 6 days of insulin needs and adapts every day at midnight. This 6 days of data calculates the minimum and maximum hourly limits, which can transition you into Safe Basal if your insulin needs have changed. A quick fingerstick to confirm dosing is all your pump needs to transition you back into Auto Mode! 

The pump’s algorithm determines every 5 minutes how much insulin to give by looking at your current sensor glucose, as well as where it’s been and where it’s going. It also looks at how much insulin is still active in your body.  Calibrating 3-4 times a day, spread throughout the day at stable times, will help your pump have the most up to date information that it needs and help keep you in range. 
 

Review Your Habits to Treat Lows 
 

When it comes to lows, it’s recommended to treat as usual using the 15‐15 rule. Take 15 grams of rapid acting carbohydrates if BG is below 70, check MiniMed 770G systemBG again in 15 minutes, and repeat if BG is still below 70. However, we’ve seen that some people find that they need to reduce the amount of carbs they use to treat lows since the pump stops the background insulin as glucose levels go down. Make sure to follow your healthcare team's treatment plan and consult with them before making any changes. 

 

Consider Pre-Bolusing Before a Meal 
 

By giving insulin before you eat, instead of when you begin eating the meal, you’ll give the insulin a head start to begin working. If you experience highs after eating, this could be a helpful habit to discuss with your healthcare team. 
 

Look at New Things that Lead to Highs 
 

You might also need to give insulin for things you didn’t before Auto Mode, like caffeine. For example, if you wake up and have a cup of black coffee, which contains no carbs, you might still see a rise in glucose readings. In this case, consider a small bolus to cover the rise in glucose from the coffee. As always, check with your healthcare team to see if you need to dose differently for this or any other foods and/or beverages. If you still see a pattern of highs after eating, speak with your doctor to see if your carb ratio needs to be adjusted. 

 

Take Note of What Auto Mode Doesn’t Do 
 

Remember that Auto Mode does not dose off of “patterns.” Auto Mode adjusts based on what you need every 5 minutes and cannot correct for large dose mismatches. For example, Auto Mode doesn’t know what you eat for breakfast or if you go to Zumba class every Tuesday. This is why it’s important to continue to input information (like carbohydrate grams or using the Temp Target mode).
 

Temp Target Might Help 
 

Remember, the standard Auto Mode target is 120 mg/dL, and you can temporarily change your target to 150 mg/dL. The Temp Target feature is designed for any time you want less background insulin. In addition to exercise, this may include yard work, times of high stress, exams, driving, or drinking alcohol. Every person is different, but in general you could start the Temp Target 1‐2 hours before exercise and end it 1‐2 hours after. 

If you find you are still dropping low during exercise, you may need to consider a combination of suspending your pump and/or consuming carbs to avoid the low altogether. 

We hope you find these tips helpful. Which one is most helpful for you? 

These tips are recommendations only.  You should consult your healthcare team 1) before starting a new or changing your therapy plan and 2) before starting any exercise or nutrition program to determine if it is right for your needs.

 

MINIMED™ 770G SYSTEM WITH SMARTGUARD™ TECHNOLOGY 

The MiniMed™ 770G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin (at user selectable rates) and administration of insulin boluses (in user selectable amounts) for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons two years of age and older requiring insulin as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed™ 770G System includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust delivery of basal insulin based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor glucose values (SG) and can suspend delivery of insulin when the SG value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values. 
The Medtronic MiniMed™ 770G System consists of the following devices: MiniMed™ 770G Insulin Pump, the Guardian™ Link (3) Transmitter, the Guardian™ Sensor (3), one-press serter, the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter, and the Accu-Chek® Guide Test Strips. The system requires a prescription. 
The Guardian™ Sensor (3) has not been evaluated and is not intended to be used directly for making therapy adjustments, but rather to provide an indication of when a fingerstick may be required. All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using a blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3). 
All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3). Always check the pump display to ensure the glucose result shown agrees with the glucose results shown on the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter. Do not calibrate your CGM device or calculate a bolus using a blood glucose meter result taken from an alternative site. It is not recommended to calibrate your CGM device when sensor or blood glucose values are changing rapidly, e.g., following a meal or physical exercise. 
WARNING: Do not use the SmartGuard™ Auto Mode for people who require less than 8 units or more than 250 units of total daily insulin per day. A total daily dose of at least 8 units, but no more than 250 units, is required to operate in SmartGuard™ Auto Mode.

WARNING: Do not use the MiniMed™ 770G system until appropriate training has been received from a healthcare professional. Training is essential to ensure the safe use of the MiniMed™ 770G system. 
Pump therapy is not recommended for people whose vision or hearing does not allow recognition of pump signals and alarms. Pump therapy is not recommended for people who are unwilling or unable to maintain contact with their healthcare professional. The safety of the MiniMed™ 770G system has not been studied in pregnant women. For complete details of the system, including product and important safety information such as indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions associated with system and its components, please consult http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety- information#minimed-770g and the appropriate user guide at http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library
 
MINIMED 670G™ SYSTEM 
The Medtronic MiniMed™ 670G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin (at user selectable rates) and administration of insulin boluses (in user selectable amounts) for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons, seven years of age and older, requiring insulin as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed™ 670G system includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust delivery of basal insulin based on Continuous Glucose Monitor sensor glucose values and can suspend delivery of insulin when the sensor glucose value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values. The system requires a prescription. 
The Guardian™ Sensor (3) glucose values are not intended to be used directly for making therapy adjustments, but rather to provide an indication of when a fingerstick may be required. A confirmatory finger stick test via the CONTOUR®NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter is required prior to making adjustments to diabetes therapy. All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using the CONTOUR®NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3). Always check the pump display to ensure the glucose result shown agrees with the glucose results shown on the CONTOUR®NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter. Do not calibrate your CGM device or calculate a bolus using a blood glucose meter result taken from an Alternative Site (palm) or from a control solution test. It is not recommended to calibrate your CGM device when sensor or blood glucose values are changing rapidly, e.g., following a meal or physical exercise. If a control solution test is out of range, please note that the result may be transmitted to your pump when in the “Always” send mode. 
WARNING: Medtronic performed an evaluation of the MiniMed™ 670G system and determined that it may not be safe for use in children under the age of 7 because of the way that the system is designed and the daily insulin requirements. Therefore this device should not be used in anyone under the age of 7 years old. This device should also not be used in patients who require less than a total daily insulin dose of 8 units per day because the device requires a minimum of 8 units per day to operate safely.

Pump therapy is not recommended for people whose vision or hearing does not allow recognition of pump signals and alarms. Pump therapy is not recommended for people who are unwilling or unable to maintain contact with their healthcare professional. The safety of the MiniMed™ 670G system has not been studied in pregnant women. For complete details of the system, including product and important safety information such as indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions associated with system and its components, please consult http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information#minimed-670g  and the appropriate user guide at http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library
 

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Submitted by David fox (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Great article. The temp target is a great tool for me when doing yard work or other activities that are not done on a daily basis. Pre bolusing before meals on the advice of my endocrinologist has made a dramatic impact on my post meal highs. Thanks for sharing information, it is such another valuable tool to me as an insulin pump wearer for 22 years.

Submitted by Neale Shinsky (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Any way to replace an older pump (5 years) with the same model?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Neale Shinsky (not verified)

Neale, that would depend on the model of pump. To discuss this in more detail, please give our therapy specialists a call at 800.646.4633, option 3.

Submitted by Andrea Angove (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

My son is a deep sleeper and the alarm on the pump is way to quiet to wake him, especially under covers. Do you guys have anything in the works that will shut insulin delivery off if a low blood sugar is reached or if the blood sugar levels are falling fast? I see that other companies have that safety feature now and wondered when Mini-med would be getting it...?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Andrea Angove (not verified)

Andrea, our MiniMed 670G system with SmartGuard AutoMode automatically adjusts basal insulin (including suspending delivery once preset thresholds are met). To learn more, please give our therapy specialists a call at 800.646.4633, option 3.

Submitted by Joy lodge (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Why new pump larger. & heavy??not user friendly. Back to drawing boards please

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Joy lodge (not verified)

Jay, the main reason for the increase in size/weight over Paradigm is to accommodate the AA battery which is required to properly power the pump and color screen. The overall increase between the 3.0 mL size of pumps is only a 17% volume difference and 5.1 grams heavier with the battery inserted.

Submitted by Brenda Compton (not verified) on

In reply to by Nicole (not verified)

I agree with Joy, this is not an improvement compared to your older pumps which used the same size battery, this one is heavier and larger. The belt clip is a joke. It has fallen out of my pocket and my waist band more times than I can count. The first 670G had to be replaced because of that.
In today's technology, I would like to see something smaller, lighter and less cumbersome.
From a pump wearer for over 30 years!

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Brenda Compton (not verified)

We appreciate your feedback, Brenda and will share with our development teams.

Submitted by Podlesny Robert E (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I am dropping significantly during/ post exercise. I am using Temp Target tool to no avail..I guess I will try suspending pump before exercise

Submitted by Nathan Sokalski (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

In the "Keep 70-180 mg/dL in Mind" section, there a lot of places that mention things likes calculates based on and algorithms. I'm probably in the minority for wanting to see it this way, but is there anywhere that I can find these algorithms expressed in a mathematical or programmatic format? As a software developer and person interested in mathematics, I think I would be able to understand and take more advantage of the capabilities of Auto Mode if I knew exactly how the insulin was calculated rather than just know that something is involved. Can I find this info anywhere, or are the actual algorithms too confidential? Thanks.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Nathan Sokalski (not verified)

Hi there, Nathan. Since the background algorithms are proprietary information, we're unable to share, but we appreciate your interest. If our team can help with anything, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Submitted by Larkspur Morton (not verified) on

In reply to by Nathan Sokalski (not verified)

Hi Nathan, I just want you to know that I'm right there with you!! I really want to know more about the algorithms and what they are based on - it would help me to take advantage of the benefits . As it is, I'm finding some frustration with how it keeps me higher than I want to be most of the time!

Thank you, Katie. This is the most useful communication I have received from Medtronic in almost three decades! Keep up the great work.

I have been using Mini Med pumps for the last 21 years. I upgrade my pump and now have the 670G model for the last year and a half. I would like a few enhancements to be added to the next model:

1. Be able to see your show on your Apple Watch and iPhone? Pumps have to link to your other devices. It would be nice to be able to control you pump with your phone but at a minimum it would be helpful to see your numbers on your iPhone and Apple Watch.

2. you should be able to edit (reorder) the menu so you can control your pump and go the things to do most more quickly. I would like to remove Temp Target, Audio Options and Suspend Delivery off the first page (I go not use those) and add Reservoir & Tubing & Sensor Setting to the first page so you don’t have to push buttons so many times.

3. I want to be able to set Auto Mode target lower than 120 mg/dL, to 100 mg/dL
I have very good control and love the lack of lows that this closed loop pump has really helped with but I would like to lower my A1c (currently at 5.9) to 5.6 I am an adult, have a master degree, I have had a pump for over 20 years and take very good control of my health. I want more control over my pump and sensor settings. I had a lower average A1c 5.7 with the Paradigm pump but had less time within my acceptable range (70 to 130) and more lows. The 670G range of 70 to 180 is too wide for me so I want to be able to set the range and Auto Mode target lower than 120. I appreciate that the Auto Mode reduces lows, that is the most helpful feature of the 670G but we need to be able to control setting to alter the Basel dose algorithm.

4. I want to be able to change the view of the chart screen. I have set my red and orange lines but can’t set the green highlighted area. That is set at 70 to 180. I try never to be above 130. I also need to be able to move the screen view up because the top half of the screen is not used if you stay below 150 all the time.

I am willing to talk to your developers and give feedback on the pump software as a real user that wants to control all aspects of pump use.
Please feel free to call me anytime. 9XX-XXX-XXXX

Thanks for the feedback, Andrew. I've shared your comments with our development team. Our dedicated teammates are always working on what's next and we look forward to updating our community as we are able.

Yes!! Thank you for your thoughtful feedback here. I am in 100% agreement. Medtronic, please seriously consider making these changes—they are important. I have almost the same story except that I’m newly using the 670g, and I’m already frustrated at the highs (for me 140-180 and above are high!) I’m seeing. I would love to have a goal of 100 and to be able to set my high range lower than 180. Lastly, the graph showing over 300 is crazy — half of the screen is wasted the majority of the time, Thank you!

I'm interested in upgrading my pump and would like to know what I can do to get an upgrade

Steve, our therapy specialists would be happy to help with your upgrade. Please give our therapy specialists a call at 800.646.4633, option 3 and we'll go over your options.

Submitted by CHRISTINE NEWELL (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I was diagnosed with Diabetes 1 at the age of 68 although NO history in the family of Diabetes. I will be 80 in a few months time and am now also diagnosed with Macular Degeneration Although I can still see well I know there will be a time when I wont be able to use a pump. What would you advise that I use. As an alternative.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by CHRISTINE NEWELL (not verified)

Hi there, Christine. I can only imagine the effect of your newest diagnosis. Alternatives to insulin pump therapy should be discussed with your healthcare team. Since our products are not recommended for those who have vision or hearing difficulties that affect their interaction with the pump, your healthcare provider will have the best suggestions for you. Good luck to you.

Submitted by randal j mathes (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I think we have been lied to, I had been told when I first for the 670G that as the reading headed down, the amount of insulin be delivered would automatically be decreased ( the old pump was just programmed to suspend at a certain number ( 70, in my case)) but I truly find this to be not the case, or if it is, the "lower" or "lesser" amount is not lesser enough, because when I hit those 70's and 80's, I keep getting insulin and keep heading down, until I do a suspend, and yet I was told I should very seldom do a suspend, but that is farrrrrr from the case. put it back the way it was where it will automatically suspend at a certain predetermined number!!!!!!

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by randal j mathes (not verified)

I'm sorry to hear this, Randal. It sounds like an update to your settings may be needed. Your healthcare provider can discuss these changes with you and provide the best recommendations for you. In the meantime, you can also reach out to our technical support team to ensure your system is functioning as designed.

I hope the next insulin pump is more simplified. So many things I wish this would not do. For one when asking for a Calibration, when you do it it should outamatically except. When it is at the end of sixth day just end don't have to go through a couple of calibrations to finally say change your sensor. Also when having a high blood sugar excepting it in the machine for true readings. Another thing when you just gave the pump a reading, don't tell me what the reading is, I know what I just entered, just list it not beep and drive me crazy. I would love to design one to not drive someone crazy. SIMPLIFY love what a pump has done for me over the years of having one one but need one to be SIMPLIFIED with Yes or No.

Thanks for sharing your feedback, Doreen and I have shared it with our development team for review.

I love my 670g. It has helped me so much. I don't drop down into the 30's anymore. Thank you Medtronic
Lisa Logan

Thanks for the love, Lisa and thank you for allowing us to be your partner in diabetes management.

Submitted by Pam Skarzenski (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thank you for the information. Just yesterday I was contacted by Medtronic and discussed exactly what you are saying.. I'm pleased with this info. I have. Never rec info like this in Email form. If it is new, great idea. If not new, thanks for putting me on the list.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Pam Skarzenski (not verified)

Glad to hear you found this useful, Pam. We hope you'll stay close to our blog for more tips.

Submitted by Debora Preachers (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I just wanted to say a big Thank You! I have been diabetic since I 1995! My sugar has been awful since I was diagnosed and since the pump my sugar actually runs normal! I am feeling better and my vision is better and I don’t hurt all over I actually feel normal! Thank you!

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Debora Preachers (not verified)

Thanks for sharing, Debora. We're thrilled to be a part of YOUR team!

Submitted by David Patula (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Katie,
Thank you for this information!
Dave

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by David Patula (not verified)

You are very welcome!

Submitted by Roger Schmurr (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I wish the 670G would enable me to set the warning about an upcoming low to something higher than 100. For by the time I get the warning at 100, my blood sugar has dropped to 95, and it will be as low as 85 by the time I can eat something (or my candy reserve kicks in). I bounce quite high whenever I get as low as 90, so getting a warning at 115 or even 110 would be a great help to me.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Roger Schmurr (not verified)

We appreciate the feedback, Roger. We've certainly heard this request from our community and have shared it with our development team for review for the future.

Submitted by Sahron (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

katie
thank you for the information on caffeine spiking and the high that seem to stay after a meal when I take my basal after i eat. I was afraid if I took it before it would bring me low. But after marshalling my carb counting and actually doing it, I notice the stability of my blood sugars in the 90's and not running into the 200-300 for most of the day.
How does constipation(irregularity in bowel movement)) affect your blood sugars? I notice every two weeks my BS runs high (200-300) but once I eliminate it drops to normal (90-120). Is this my imagination? What can you tell me!

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Sahron (not verified)

Hi there, Sahron. I'm glad you found the information helpful. As far as the impact of constipation on your blood sugars, this is a good conversation to have with your healthcare team. They can provide the best information based on your individual needs. Good luck to you.

Submitted by Matthias (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Hi Katie, as per design in auto-mode no extended bolus is available, so good so far, but any tips for taking fat/proteins into account in auto-mode (e.q. huge pizza)

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Matthias (not verified)

Matthias, the goal of SmartGuard Auto Mode is to manage these changes on your behalf. Our technical support team may have suggestions that can help or you may find working with your healthcare team to adjust your settings (or create a separate basal pattern for those types of meals). If you'd like to speak with a teammate, give us a call at 800.646.4633, option 1.

Submitted by Mary Beth Nilsson (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I have been a diabetic for 38 years. I have been on pump therapy for 20 years, upgraded to 670g in January. I was wondering how do I stop the pump from waking me 3-4 times a night because it wants a “BG Required” (not a calibration). I enter the BG, hit done, and get woken up 2 hours later. (And my blood sugars are normal, 104, 125, etc.). This constant interruption of sleep cannot be good for me! I reached out to tech support yesterday with no real fix. Never mind the number of test strips I go through!

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Mary Beth Nilsson (not verified)

Thanks for reaching out, Mary Beth. Have you had a chance to review your CareLink reports with a teammate? They're great at helping you identify trends that can lessen your alarms and calibrations. Please give our team a call at 800.646.4633 option #1 at your convenience.

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on

In reply to by Mary Beth Nilsson (not verified)

SAME! This is the exact reason I started scanning these comments. I am TIRED (literally) of being woken every 2 hours EVERY night with a "BG Required" alarm. There is no reason it should be going off!! Mine is the same Mary Beth - completely normal blood sugars (last night: 111, 118, 123, 109 - not heading up or down...just non-stop alarms every 2 hours and lack of sleep....) Type 1 for 29 years, on pump therapy for 18, on the 670G for about a year. These random incessant 'BG Required' alarms seem to come in waves, for days (and nights) - what in the world causes them? There is no trend to "identify". Blood sugars are normal and steady.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Lisa (not verified)

Lisa, have you spoken with a member of our 24-Hour Technical Suppor team? They can help troubleshoot with you and provide additional support. Please give our team a call at 800.646.4633 option #1.

Submitted by MURTAGH HANRAHAN (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

IS IT TRUE THAT THE 670 PUMP WILL NOT SUSPEND IN AUTO MODE ? I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH MEDTRONIC AND THEY GAVE ME THIS INFORMATION. I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT WOULD SUSPEND IN AUTO MODE AND NOT MANUAL MODE . I GUESS AFTER 2 YEARS ON THE 670 IM STILL LEARNING. ALL YOUR CLIENTS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THIS . I WAS GIVEN THE WRONG INFORMATION AT THE BEGINNING. IVE BEEN PUMPING FOR A LONG TIME AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT ITS NOT DOING WHAT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD DO . PLEASE POST THIS INFORMATION.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by MURTAGH HANRAHAN (not verified)

I'm sorry for any confusion. SMartGuard Auto Mode does suspend basal insulin delivery based on data from your glucose sensor. However, the Threshold Suspend features like Suspend on Low and Suspend before Low are only available in Manual Mode.

Submitted by Tracy Williams (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

This pump is a huge inconvenience. The paradigm I had many years ago worked excellently. This pump asks me to do my blood sugar again 30 minutes after I have calibrated. The sensor is updating in the middle of the night almost every night. There is no reason in this world that it needs to beep every half hour for the 3 hours it takes to update to remind me that it is updating. As stated above, the belt clip is a joke - if I look at it wrong it falls off. This thing beeps and alarms more in one day than the old pump did in a months time. And my blood sugars are not in any more better control than before. Actually, probably worse because I have resorted to silencing the pump every night when I go to sleep so I'm not constantly woken up, which mean on the occasion I have a high or low, I'm not alerted until I wake on my own because of the way I feel due to the blood sugar. I am actively looking for a different company to go with.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Tracy Williams (not verified)

I'm sorry to hear your thoughts, Tracy. While many of the alarms can be silenced or turned off, we understand that alarm fatigue is real. I encourage you to give our technical support team a call at 800.646.4633, option 1 to discuss your concerns in more detail and we'll see how we can help.

Submitted by Donna Harris (not verified) on

In reply to by Tracy Williams (not verified)

Tracy. I was having the same problem but once I started checking my blood sugar right before bed with a finger stick and calibrating, those alarms stopped. You should still call the support line but just wanted to tell you my remedy.

I have been a loyal Medtronic customer for 24 years. Started using the 670G with CGM about 2 years ago. Just went on Medicare this month and found out Medicare does not cover your CGM supplies due to the need for fingersticks 4-6 times/day for boluses and calibration purposes. It is ridiculous that a company in the business of manufacturing insulin pumps as long as Medtronic, has not managed to develop a pump/CGM system not requiring constant calibration. Especially when the technology is already out there with the DexCom. I don't want to change pumps, but will probably be forced into it, due to non-reimbursement by Medicare for your CGM products. Greed on the part of Medtronic is the only reason I can see for why this company has not teamed up with the more advanced sensors available on the market. I am doing more fingerstick BG's now than before starting on the CGM. This defeats the purpose for most people with T1DM.


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