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Alert: Product and Recall NoticesMy First 5 Impressions Of MiniMed Connect
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of one, Taylor Lookofsky has had unique life-long experiences. Taylor was one of the first customers who received MiniMed Connect and has some feedback to share on what it’s been like to live with a new innovation in diabetes management.
Here are 5 things I’ve learned about MiniMed Connect:
1. Discretion during class
Rather than taking out my pump to look at my numbers, I can discreetly take out my iPhone and open MiniMed Connect. I can even view my CGM number, rate of change, and the time stamp of my last CGM reading without having to unlock my phone through the Notification Center on my iPhone (you can access the Notification Center by swiping down from the top of your iPhone screen). I find this very useful when I’m sitting in class, or out in public. Like my CGM, it updates every 5-7 minutes with my current sensor glucose readings.
2. Quickly know where my BG levels stand (in color!)
When my sensor glucose is approaching my high or low limit, the graph line is displayed in red, grabbing my attention to check my blood sugar and make a correction if I needed. When my sensor glucose is within my limits, the graph line is blue. The color distinction makes it helpful when quickly glancing at my numbers.
3. Less time uploading my data
Gone are the days I have to manually upload my pump, CGM, and meter data to my CareLink Personal account. MiniMed Connect automatically syncs my data to my CareLink account, so when I want to generate a CareLink report, I can login and download it right away without having to wait and manually upload my device data.
4. Easy for my endocrinologist to make informed adjustments
At any time, my doctor can log into my CareLink account, view my up to date device data, and adjust my diabetes treatment accordingly. Since MiniMed Connect performs daily uploads, my doctor always has up to date data to review. This is very helpful if I’m in between appointments and having a hard time keeping my blood sugars in range.
5. Brings comfort and peace of mind to my parents
Lastly and most importantly, my mom and step-dad are able to look at my data in real time whenever they want by logging into my CareLink Personal account through their smartphones or desktop. My mom has the link bookmarked on her phone, so whenever she gets a text message notification indicating my sensor glucose is rising or falling, she logs into my CareLink to view my sensor in real time. Knowing what my sensor glucose is, rather than guessing what they are and if I’m okay, leaves her with more reassurance.
Guest Blogger: Taylor Lookofsky
Taylor has worn a Medtronic pump since the age of 15, and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) since the age of 20, and loves that they’re integrated. Along with having type 1 diabetes, he also have a very rare auto immune disorder that plays a big role in his absorption of food and insulin, which, prior to his insulin pump and CGM, made his blood sugars very unstable. A big thanks to Taylor for sharing his thoughts and experiences with us!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
MiniMed Connect is intended to provide a secondary display of CGM and insulin pump information on a suitable consumer electronic device to care partners and users of a MiniMed 530G system or Paradigm REAL-Time Revel system for the purposes of passive monitoring.
MiniMed Connect is not intended to replace the primary display of continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump information on the primary display device. All therapy decisions should be based on blood glucose measurements obtained from a blood glucose meter.
Please visit http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information for complete safety information.
Tags: cgm, connectivity, continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump, MiniMed Connect, remote monitoring
About Author
Editorial Team
LOOP Blog Editorial TeamAt Medtronic Diabetes our vision is to transform diabetes care together for greater freedom and better health. Each word in that statement is important – including the one “together”. We’re a group of passionate people working hard to make a big positive impact on the lives of those with diabetes. But we can’t do it alone. Collaboration is key. With healthcare providers, academic institutions, non-profits and other companies. And, most importantly, with you – the people who live with diabetes every day.
My daughter and I are both Type 1, and are looking at this. We thought after Christmas would be a good time financially for us. One thing led to another and it was February 6th! I called Medtronic, and they informed me that it had been FREE for an entire month, and the promotion ended just the day before I called!! Give a girl a break, I have to buy 2, why only free for a month??
I understand how time flies, Andrea! When we launched MiniMed Connect we heard a lot of positive comments about the value of the product to people with diabetes, but we also received some negative feedback on price. Customer feedback is important to us and because of this we did find a way to reduce the price from $199 to $99. Also, you may be able to use your flexible spending account (FSA) for the purchase. Some FSAs will differ, so make sure to check your policy.
Just starting using the connect device, I like it so far. Convenient CGM info on my iPhone 6s, all seems to work well. I miss the bolus tick marks I get on my pump display and wish I could change the y axis scale. Normally wouldn’t need to see as high as 400.
Thanx
Paul, I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying MiniMed Connect. Thank you for your feedback. I’ll be sure to share it wth our product teams.
We’ve been using minimed connect for about 18 hours now. So far I love it!! I am able to keep an eye on my hubby’s BG continually. I can txt him and help him remember to keep things in check. We had to buy an iPod touch to make this happen, which is no biggie really. We are really looking forward to the android app though. So tell them to hurry!!! LOL!! When the app becomes available we really hope the care partner features are on point. Notifications would also be nice, like the ability to have his phone (using the ring tone of his choice) to notify him of the same things his pump notifies him of, Like BG Now. He is somewhat de-sensitized to the notifications from his pump, afterall he has been hearing the same sounds for 10+ years. Of course other notifications as well, like when to change his sites, sensor, etc.
Good Job Medtronic on this great new feature.
Brianna, I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying the MiniMed Connect so far! Thank you for sharing your experiences and feedback with us; I’ll be sure to share it with our product team. We are working hard on an Android version that will be available soon.
Is Medtronic also looking into a Windows version for Phones, (like mine), that run the Windows iOS?
Bill, right now the MiniMed Connect app is compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch, and we’re working on Android compatibility. Please know we’re listening to customer feedback for requests for future updates.
Interesting sounds like something I would love to have. I have type 2 diabetes;)
That’s great to hear, Kristy! If you’re interested, MiniMed Connect is on sale for $99 until the end of December. Let me know if you have any questions, or would like me to connect you with someone who can help answer any questions you may have.
Dates for Android app support?
Hi Lindsey. We are working on an Android app version and will have more information soon. Samsung is working with Medtronic to also develop an app for Android and optimized experiences on Samsung mobile devices.
Good morning! I’m very interested in MiniMed Connect because now I must take out my pump to look at my numbers and sometimes’s very difficult for me!
When will the MiniMed Connect arrive in Italy?
Thanks a lot, have a nice day!
Michela
Good morning Michela! Our plan is to have MiniMed Connect available in other countries in the near future, but we’re still working out where and when this will happen. Stay tuned.