New and improved CareLink™ Personal upload software for easier use

Father and daughter

We understand how important seeing your diabetes data is and how many of you rely on CareLinkTM Personal software. We’ve also heard loud and clear how frustrating of an experience it’s been to upload that data. Today, we’re excited to announce that we have new upload software that’s easy to set-up and allows you to see your information without Java or special browser settings!! 

Uploading the new software is easy and you can find the link to do so on our CareLinkTM Personal website. We also created a short tutorial on how to complete the install here and once installed you can also learn more about uploading your information here. 

Screenshot of CareLink Personal website 

Today, we’ve asked Lori Cruit, who lives with type 1 diabetes, is a Certified Pump Trainer for Medtronic, Registered Nurse and Moderator to a MiniMedTM 670G system Facebook group, to share her experience testing out the new system. 

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 10 years old. Over the past 45 years I’ve seen a lot of technology developed to help us deal with our diabetes – urine tests, hospital glucose meters, home glucose meters, pumps, CGMs – all amazing things to help us manage diabetes and thus manage our lives better.

navy blue quote block Under all of this, however has been the need to keep track of our glucose testing. When CareLinkTM Personal software came along I was relieved. Finally, something to help download all that information from the pump so that I didn’t have to do it and risk leaving something out. The only downside is that the first programs available didn’t always upload your pump and meter smoothly. A lot of it depended on which computer system you had, your browser, and a host of other technical specs. Not being the most computer savvy, I often felt frustrated when it came time to upload my pump and glucose meter for an upcoming appointment with my Endo. 

Today, a new program is being introduced.

  • A new simplified uploading experience for CareLinkTM Personal software that no longer requires Java.
  • The steps for installing the uploader and uploading the pump and meter are outlined in clear, easy steps with illustrations for what you should see on your computer screen each step of the way.
  • Once uploaded, the data can be printed out in various reports so that you and your trainer, endo or diabetes team can look at your results and give you the guidance you need to better manage your diabetes.

Now, I look forward to uploading my pump and meter to the CareLinkTM Personal software, and seamlessly pulling the reports I need.  I can even do a quick report just for myself in between doctor visits so I can see how I’m doing on a weekly or monthly basis. Diabetes is complicated enough - it’s good to have the new CareLinkTM Personal software to make management that much easier. 

As we move forward, we’ll continue to work on enhancement and performance improvements, specifically around Mac and with the MiniMedTM 530G insulin pump and other older model insulin pumps. Stay tuned for additional improvements. 

 

Important Safety Information 
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, fourteen 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 also 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 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 CareLink™ software CareLink™ software is intended for use as a adjunctive tool to help manage diabetes and is NOT intended to be relied upon by itself. For more details, please consult the User Guide at medtronicdiabetes.com/support/download-library/user-guides.
 

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Blog comments

Submitted by Phillip Ince (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

A couple of questions:
1. When will this be made available to users of the non-US site?
2. I can understand that you removed the old reports, but the convenience of being able to download my data in a CSV format so that other Diabetes Management Software could make use of what is my data, I think was an oversight on behalf of Medtronic. Is there a likelihood that this will be re-introduced? If so, when?

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Phillip Ince (not verified)

Phillip, we are working on updates for our international users and hope to have an update soon. As far as the available reports, the information removed was more about the technical operations of the pump; within CareLink you still have access to specific information such as treatment delivery or therapy. We understand that some of our customers may be interested in additional information and we're reviewing the best way to present and export this information. Please stay tuned.

Submitted by Phillip Ince (not verified) on

In reply to by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified)

Thank you Karrie. I see the new uploader is now available for non-US users. Much appreciated. I can now get rid of IE and Java off my computer (especially Java due to its inherent data security issues!). Now we just need the data export facility! I'll stay tuned!

Submitted by Eric Koch (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I really miss the spread sheet report that listed everything that the pump was doing every 5 minutes and in between. I came to really rely on it. Is there any way that this can be brought back?

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Eric Koch (not verified)

Eric, moving forward, we’re focused on providing you with a seamless experience by offering a single set of CareLink reports that can be used by you and your doctor. These reports provide you with information about your blood glucose levels, insulin delivery, and events. The information removed was more about the technical operations of the pump. If you feel you need more detailed information, please contact your healthcare provider for assistance.

Submitted by Kit Scott (not verified) on

In reply to by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified)

I want to see the reports my Dr. sees and thanks for providing that. I don't necessarily care that the old reports have been taken away, but I'd really like to be able to download the raw data in the .CSV file. That file used to contain data that included BG values, bolus amounts, total daily insulin amounts, etc., which don't strike me as "technical operations of the pump." It was very useful to combine that data with other data like A1C results, blood panel results, weight, etc., which the current set of reports don't allow. Please consider letting us have our raw data back.

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Kit Scott (not verified)

Thank you for the feedback, Kit. Please know, we are reviewing the best solution to filter out information that cannot be shared in order to provide you with helpful and relevant information, such as glucose levels, insulin, and events. We will keep you informed as new functionality or reports become available.

Submitted by Duane Carolan (not verified) on

In reply to by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified)

Karrie,
I am confused by your statement "information that cannot be shared." As the PATIENT in a post HIPAA world, isn't all the information available to me?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Duane Carolan (not verified)

Duane, your personal information is available to you and still is, however, there is Medtronic proprietary information that is also included as required to generate some reports, that does not fall under HIPAA. if you have questions about the patient information that you no longer have access too, we encourage you to reach out to our CareLink team or your healthcare provider. Good luck to you.

Submitted by Ivan (not verified) on

In reply to by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified)

Dear Karrie,
I am a long-term D.M. patient from Slovakia, using medtronic insulin pump already for 5+ years. Also using sensors from both Medtronic as well as other producer.
Trying to record necessary data including carbs, fitness etc. using several applications (most of them on a smartphone).
I have developed a sync platform, using csv exports from my pump as well as other apps. now your data are not available and neither other option.
I think it's really a pitty and I assume you (Medtronic) shall stay inline with uptoday technology development and offer a suitable mobile app (at least I do not know of any) as well as access to my own data.
thanks for your advise.

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Ivan (not verified)

Thank you for reaching out, Ivan! Moving forward, we’re focused on providing you with a seamless experience by offering a single set of CareLink reports that can be used by you and your doctor. These reports provide you with information about your blood glucose levels, insulin delivery, and events. The information removed was more about the technical operations of the pump. Within CareLink you have access to specific information such as treatment delivery or therapy. Please know we are reviewing the best way to export and present additional information. Please stay tuned. In the meantime, if you feel you need more detailed information, please contact your healthcare provider for assistance.

Hi Dooren. Currently uploading is not supported on Chromebooks, but as we evolve the product, we intend to make enhancements to the usability and accessibility. Sorry for any confusion.

Submitted by Meghan (not verified) on

In reply to by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified)

Does this work on chrome books yet?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Meghan (not verified)

Hi Meghan, as regulated medical device software, official support for new browsers requires a specific and comprehensive process. We understand that these browsers are widely used and are looking at the best options and opportunities to provide broader browser support and an improved experience. As we evolve the product, we intend to make enhancements to usability and accessibility.

Hi there, does the uploader work on a Chromebook yet? I see this post was from a year ago and I haven't found any other information about this question. Thank you.

Hi. Unfortunately, we are no longer supporting the MiniMed Connect, which means that additional enhancements, including, Chromebook support will not be added. I'm sorry for any inconvenience, but if you're interested in learning more about our current products, including the Guardian Connect, please give us a call.

Submitted by Alexis Switzer (not verified) on

In reply to by Nicole (not verified)

Hi does it work yet for Chrome book

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Alexis Switzer (not verified)

Unfortunately, Chromebook is not supported, but we are looking into this.

Submitted by Susan Katt (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Does this new update work on a Mac?

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Susan Katt (not verified)

Yes! It does, Susan.

i'm a physician and could not download onto my mac; where is the appropriate link so i can do reports?

Submitted by Petr Hrasky (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I have just downloaded and installed the new software. It created a directory on the start menu called "Carelink upload" or something similar, but this was empty. It also created a directory of the same name in "Program Files", but this too was empty. The install file appeared to run corectly, giving lots of messages such as "Extracting file XXXXXX" etc. I uninstalled, redownloaded and reinstalled from th new file. Again all messages seemed to show that installation was going correctly, but again nothing actually was installed.

What do I do now?

Running Win 10 1709

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Petr Hrasky (not verified)

Peter, I'm sorry you are having trouble. This is a good conversation to have with our Software team. They'd be happy to review your installation steps and see what we can do to help. You can reach them at 800.646.4633, ext, 21008.

Submitted by James Boyd (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Will this new software work with Microsoft Vista? Or do I still have to buy a new computer to use it? I used to look at my data all the time until Carelink no longer worked with Vista.

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by James Boyd (not verified)

No, Vista is not a supported operating system for CareLink.

Submitted by Steve Spivey (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Can the up loader software work on an IPAD? I have a USB converter cable but it seems the software won't load.

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Steve Spivey (not verified)

Steve, while you can view CareLink data from any internet connected device, uploading information from your pump to CareLink must be done from a computer. If you have any questions or need help uploading, give our Software team a call at 800.646.4633, ext. 21008.

Submitted by Conrad Carlen (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I downloaded and installed the new uploader on Mac OSX 10.13. When I double-click CareLinkLauncher that got installed in /Applications, nothing happens. Nothing launches, but then nothing crashes. BTW, I looked at the files that got installed into /Library/ApplicationSupport. There’s a Java Runtime Environment. What gives? This new uploader was claimed to be Java-free.

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Conrad Carlen (not verified)

Conrad, I am sorry you are having trouble. If you haven't already, please reach out to our software team at 800.646.4633, ext 21003.

Submitted by Penquin (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Ok I am not the most IT specialist numpty but I now have it working on a laptop using Firefox but is it possible to upload the data from the pump/contour next / guardian/Enlite combination to a laptop running IOS 10.3.3 ? If not, when will this facility be avaialable since carrying a tablet is much easier than carrying a tablet + a laptop - with the laptop JUST to upload the data from the pump etc.?

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Penquin (not verified)

Thanks for reaching out and I apologize for the delay in responding. Currently, our CareLink software is compatible with iOS 9.3, but our team is consistently working on updates. Like other software companies, we begin testing with a Beta version of a new OS, but can only complete the development process once the final version of the software is released. However, unlike many software companies, the CareLink website is considered “medical device software.” Therefore, once the testing is complete, it’s still required to go through more testing. This can create a time lag between the release of a new OS and our new version of the CareLink Personal site. We'll be sure to share updates as they become available.

Submitted by Kimmie Wolcott (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I just received a new replacement pump. Can I download my settings from my current pump to the new one?

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Kimmie Wolcott (not verified)

Hi there, Kimmie. Depending on the model of pump you're using, this may be possible. To learn more, please give our technical support team a call at 800.646.4633, option 1. They're available 24/7 and happy to help.

Is there a point in time where the application will work on MacOS? It still has the same bugs reported when this post went live in October of last year, 10 months ago:

- Attempting to launch the application directly just fires up it's Java runtime (yes, the application is written in and requires Java despite what the post says). It produces a single, small, white window and nothing else happens.
- Clicking on "Upload Device" on the Carelink website launches the application, with the exact same results except eventually the website tells me that the application may have failed to launch or I don't have it installed.

Where do patients go with the costs associated with the negative health effects we've been experiencing because we can't upload and share our data with our physicians like we were told the pump could do? Do we send an invoice to the Medtronic finance department or a letter to the Medtronic legal department?

Tristan, I am sorry to hear you're having trouble. Updates were made to CareLink to support MacOS, but our software team will have the most up to date info available. Please give our team a call at 800.46.4633, option 1 and follow the prompts.

MacOS Catalina has been out since 10/7/2019, and is still not supported as of 1/4/2019. Chromebooks have never been supported. Neither of these are 'exotic' or minor components of the internet environment. Why should I consider Carelink as anything more than an inconvenient afterthought to Medtronic? My complete dissatisfaction with Medtronic's support of this product has me very seriously considering an alternative vendor when I replace my pump and sensor.

Mike, I know this can be frustrating, but the development, testing and quality processes are designed to protect the safety of people like you who rely on healthcare software to manage their diabetes. Like other software companies, we begin testing with a Beta version of a new OS, but can only complete the development process once the final version of the software is released. However, unlike many software companies, the CareLink website is considered “medical device software.” Therefore, once the testing is complete, it’s still required to go through more testing. This creates a time lag between the release of a new OS and our new version of the CareLink Personal site. Please know Medtronic works to get new updates to you as soon as possible and are committed to future updates intended to ease the burden of diabetes management.

Many new indices of diabetic control have evolved with the implementation of robust CGM systems. These indices supplement HA1c values with information about the frequency of high and low BGs that is not captured in the average BG value represented by a HA1c. One example is "GRADE' (Hill NR, et al., Diabetic Medicine, 2007;24:753–8). GRADE is a calcuation of the magnitude of the standard deviations of glucose values. It is usually around 1 for non diabetics and 8 for Type 1 and 9 for Type 2s. GRADE scores have been correlated with diabetes complications. Calculating GRADE requires using all of the CGM glucose and time data fond in csv format. When will Medtronic provide the csv data from our 670Gs so that these advanced indices can be calculated? Or better yet calculate them as part of the reports?

Hi there, Fred. We’re currently focused on providing you with a seamless experience by offering a single set of CareLink reports that can be used by both you and your doctor, which contain information about your blood glucose levels, insulin delivery, and events. We understand there is a large amount of valuable information available for you and we’re partnering with diabetes professional societies, professional clinical organizations, and communities as well as the FDA to determine new ways to provide information about overall glucose control. we are consistently reviewing the best solutions to provide our customers with helpful and relevant information.

Submitted by Brian Eagan (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

In a world where people are getting more ipads, iphones, chromebooks and droid based phones, why is medtroinc going backwards? the connect was a good start the poof it is gone, i cant afford to buy a poc windows laptop just for transferring the info. i have an iphone was willing to drop $150 for chromebook but it will not work. i have this great new device and i pay a lot for pump supplies and insulin but i cant get information out?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Brian Eagan (not verified)

We appreciate your feedback, Brian and will make sure to share with our teams. Our top priority was improving the uploading experience to make sure you had the best access to your data. As we evolve the product, we intend to make enhancements to usability and accessibility. To learn more about currently supported devices click here:http://bit.ly/1009Cs4


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