Addicted to Diabetes Data

I’m kind of a nerd. I love data and graphs and stats. I loved every math class I ever took. So pouring over all the charts and information in my CareLink reports is right up my alley. I set a reminder on my calendar to upload my pump every Friday so the reports are always current and ready to go. Of course, there is a lot of information there, and sometimes I only have time to quickly look at the most helpful information. So here are the reports I go to when my schedule is busy but I don’t want to ignore the important data.

Modal Day BG by Hour

I always run 12 weeks of data in this report, and I love all of the graphs it includes. But if I’m short on time, I skip right to the bottom portion of the report. The pie chart shows at a glance how often my blood sugar is in-range, too high or too low. I also take a look at my average blood sugar and, more importantly, my standard deviation. My goal is to try to keep my standard deviation less than half of my average blood glucose number.

Trends Summary

I like this report because it gives me both my blood glucose meter data and my continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data for the past two weeks. I pay most attention to the first chart and my goal is to see short bars for each day, with the blue dot that represents my daily average in the green target range.

Sensor Daily Overlay

This plots my CGM data for the past week onto a graph, using a different color for each day. It also summarizes the data into daily pie charts. I’m hoping the lines on my top chart are less like an amusement park rollercoaster, and more like a flat racetrack.

When I do have time to pour over a bit more data, here are some other reports I like to run:

Quick View Summary

The top chart gives me a good idea of how my blood sugar has been running over the past two weeks, charting both my meter and CGM data. I also love the Distribution Bar that shows what percent of my time is spent high, low, and in-range.

Sensor Weekly Logbook

This color coded logbook gives me a quick summary of my pre and post-meal blood sugars, along with my carb and bolus information.

Sensor Overlay by Meal

This gives me an easy snapshot of my blood sugars around each meal for the past week. I also love the pie charts at the bottom which summarize the results before and after each meal.

Am I hopelessly nerdy, or do you pour over the data on your CareLink reports too? What reports do you find helpful and what goals are you working toward?

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CareLink software is intended for use as a tool to help manage diabetes. CareLink report data is intended for use as an adjunct in the management of diabetes together with advice from a healthcare professional familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. Do not start or make any changes to treatment without talking to a healthcare professional first. Please visit MedtronicDiabetes.com/isi for additional details.

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