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Alert: Product and Recall NoticesNew Product Review: MiniMed Connect!
I’ve always worn a Medtronic pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and I’ve always loved the fact they are integrated. My CGM graph is right on my hip, on the screen of my pump. But I’ll admit, there have been times I’ve wished I could view my graph somewhere else too. For example, on cold winter days when I’m wrapped in layers, digging out my pump to view my CGM isn’t easy. So I’ve been anxiously awaiting MiniMed Connect, which allows me to also see my CGM data on something I always carry with me anyway – my iPhone.
I’m happy to say I was part of the MiniMed Connect pilot group, testing out the product for about a month, and have really loved using it. The features I was expecting are as good as I hoped. It’s nice to be able to see my CGM graph on my phone. I appreciate knowing my husband will get a text message if my blood sugar is low and I don’t clear the pump’s alarm. And I’m glad I no longer need to make time each week to upload my data to CareLink for my doctor to review.
I’m even more excited to have discovered features I didn’t know would be included! It was kind of a fun surprise for me, and I’ve found the extras very useful. Here are a few of my favorites.
1. Active insulin is front and center!
I was thrilled to see this feature on the MiniMed Connect display, right below my blood sugar number. If I’m ever unsure if I’ve bolused for a meal, one glance at that active insulin answers my question.
2. Easy access to a lot more data than I expected.
That little icon in the upper right corner that looks like a blood drop lets me know how soon I need to calibrate my sensor by changing color as calibration time nears. And I can tap on it for the exact time my calibration is due. A tap on the upper left icon opens a screen that shows the battery and connection status of my uploader, battery and connection status of my pump, amount of insulin left in my reservoir, connection status of my sensor, and how many days of sensor life are left.
3. I can view my CGM number on my phone’s lock screen.
When I got my MiniMed Connect, I set it up using the one page Welcome sheet (which I found to be a quick start guide, of sorts). But later that day, I sat down to read through the whole manual and that’s where I learned how to add MiniMed Connect to the lock screen. (I hadn’t even known the lock screen was customizable, so I’ve learned something new about my phone as well.) It’s an extra convenience to be able to get a quick CGM number status without unlocking my phone.
CGM data on my pump screen is something I’ve loved having most of the time. And now, for those other times, having the data on my phone makes things much easier.
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.
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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.
Nice info
Thanks for sharing
I read some articles on this site and I think your blog is really interesting and has great information. Thank you for your sharing.
Great post, Sara!
This post is very fantastic for me. I use a iphone 4S. Is it compatible?
Tony
Tony, the MiniMed Connect accessory is compatible with the iPhone 4s.
Why is Medtronic taking so long to unblock Android 7? Note MiniMed Connect still works with Android 7, it’s just that the app launcher gives a bogus message that it doesn’t support the Android 7 OS. That means that I can only access the app via the notifications. I have contacted Medtronic support about the issue, but they don’t seem to be able to give me any definitive answer as to being able to address this problem. Please, please, please Medtronic, get on it.
Don, I do apologize for the delay in this. I have asked my team to reach out to you to discuss this.
Yep I was called and told that no commitment to getting this issue fixed could be made. More than a month has passed and still no fix. Apparently this is not a high priority, which I find dissapointing.
Don, I have asked someone from our Customer Advocacy Team to reach out to discuss this with you.
I am wondering if this will work without using a CGM I am needing to better monitor my daughter and just want to be able to see her bg texts and bolus when she is at school etc. Will this do that? Kind of seems crazy that there is no way to do this yet?
Hi Lisa, unfortunately you wouldn’t receive text messages with her blood sugars or if she bolused. I have shared your suggestion with our team though.
I just purchased MiniMed Connect for my wife. I am very disappointed by its performance. Most of the time it shows “Pump Weak Signal” even though the device is velcroed directly to the pump. Occasionally, it spontaneously fixes itself, but then loses connection again shortly after. I should have read these reviews and the overwhelmingly negative reviews on the App Store first. It looks as though I wasted $100, as all of the issues mentioned above are still in existence after well over a year of reporting. Apparently MiniMed is not advancing or supporting this product. I would like information on how to return my device for a refund. Please contact me as soon as possible at the email address provided.
Bryan, I’m sorry to hear that your wife is having issues. If you could please have her reach out to us at dhelp@medtronic.com we can get her in touch with someone from our 24 HelpLine to see how we can help.
Can you use the minimed connect app on a Android smartwatch? Is that app compatible?
Thanks Gina! MiniMed Connect is not compatible with an Android smartwatch at this time. We have heard feedback like yours and are looking into this.
I have read quite a number of bad comments about the MiniMed Connect! app for Android, summary of which were that (1) it does not do much and (2) it appears that the app for iPhone offers much more than the one for Android. While I am providing bad comments, let me say that I have notified MiniMed a number of times that they should make their CareLink upload page to function in the Chrome browser as well, that is, that it shall allow me and other users to upload my/their BG results to CareLink. The current incapability of CareLink upload page to function in the Chrome browser is quite unacceptable, especially because Google Chrome is the most popular and most used browser in the world.
Hi I’m sure this question has been asked before and apologies for re-asking as i am new to this forum. Could you please let me know when the Mini med technology (being able to view data via app /on the iPhone) will be available in the UK? thank you
Welcome, Maryam! 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.
I prepaid $200 for the Minimed connect a month later it was selling for $100 now one month out of warranty the charger plug pushed inside it will not charge and I have to pay another $100 go get another. I’m thinking maybe time to switch pump brands.
I’m sorry to hear about this, Brent. I’d like to connect you with a member of my team to see if there is anything we can do to help you. I’ll share your feedback and information with our Customer Service team and someone should be reaching out to you shortly. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
I do have an iPod but don’t use it currently. If I were to purchase the Connect for the iPod, and the Android version comes out, would I then have to purchase the Android version?
My current phone is the Note4 and my preference is Android…
Thank you in advance for your prompt response…
Thank you for reaching out, Kathy. That is a great question. Along with a new MiniMed Connect mobile app for Android, there will also be a new version of the MiniMed Connect mobile accessory designed to support Android phones. The new Android MiniMed Connect uploader will have the same look and feel as the currently available version.
If your getting way more information than you expected then you set your expectations too low. The notification feature is about the only thing that makes this device worth purchasing.
They could display a lot more useful information for the price.
I got the connect for my daughter, she has had several severe lows and I needed to be able to monitor her.
For the first week it was great. Now it will not stay connected at all! It constantly says Info unavailable. The uploader and the phone, pump and sensor are always within one foot of each other. I have to close the app or re-connect the device. This is NOT allowing me to use it as I need to. Is this normal or is there something wrong with it?
Hi Melissa, I’m sorry to hear about your experience. I’d like to have you trouble shoot with our HelpLine team. I will pass along your information so they can reach out to you. If you’d like you can also contact the HelpLine directly at 800-646-4633 and press Option 1.
How did calling the help line work for you? Five months after your post, we are having the same problem. I’ve tried getting through to developers as they still haven’t fixed app problems identified in late 2015, but Medtronic doesn’t seem to care about keeping up with technology (still not compatible with iOS updates that started soon after the September 2015 release? ) or coming up with real solutions (still trying to blame rf interference or user error, suggesting reinstalling app, when the app is the problem). Read the iTunes app reviews and you’ll see people have been disappointed in this system, not for its features, but for its failures and lack of response from Medtronic.
How did calling the help line work for you? Five months after your post, we are having the same problem. Recently the app quit 7 times in 3 days! I’ve tried getting through to developers as they still haven’t fixed app problems identified in late 2015, but Medtronic doesn’t seem to care about keeping up with technology (still not compatible with iOS updates that started soon after the September 2015 release? ) or coming up with real solutions (still trying to blame rf interference or user error, suggesting reinstalling app, when the app seems to be the problem). MedT eventually sent a new Connect when I suggested it. So far the app has not quit (4 days), but now another iOS update is ready; I’ll see if the app begins failing after the next update. But why am I doing the the trouble-shooting?!?!? Read the iTunes app reviews and you’ll see people have been disappointed in this system, not for its features, but for its failures and lack of response from Medtronic.
Any word yet on the connect device for Android? Note 5 to be exact.
Ron, we don’t have timing to share on when MiniMed Connect will be available for Android, but will keep the community updated as soon as we do.
I came here to see if others were having the same trouble with the connect as I. My 12 yoa son wears the device and daily it does become disconnected from his phone even when in the same pocket as his phone. Signing into Carelink to view every time is also not working for me. We use the My sentry device for overnights which works just fine. My real concern is that you have not advised your pre-existing customers who paid/pre-ordered $199.00 for the connect that IF THEY CALL and ask they will receive the holiday purchase price of $99 and a $100. 00 refund. I’ve have used Medtronic for over 1o years and although your product does its job the customer service from Medtronic does not.
Ron, I’m very sorry to hear your son is having trouble with his MiniMed Connect, and you’re upset MiniMed Connect is at a discounted price. When we launched MiniMed Connect, we heard a lot of positive comments about the value of the product to people with diabetes, but also received some negative feedback on the price. Your feedback is important to us and we want as many people as possible to experience the benefits of MiniMed Connect, so we found a way to change the price to $99 for a special promotion during the month of December. I will have a member of my team connect with you to try and help your son, and further discuss your concerns.
How can I post my CGM on my iphone 6 lock screen? I have Minimed Connect up and running and really like it. I’d like to have the option to see some info when the screen is locked on my phone though.
It won’t appear on the lock screen exactly, but with the screen locked if you drag a finger down from the top of the screen to reveal “Today” and “Notifications”, you’ll see your sensor glucose in the “Today” section. To add it to this section and assuming you have the Minimed Connect app already installed, with the phone unlocked, drag a finger from the top of the screen to reveal “Today” and “Notifications.” On the “Today” side, scroll to the bottom. Click Edit. Then add “Minimed.”
Thank you for the explanation, Tom 🙂
Christopher, as Tom mentioned, you can use the Notification Center on your iPhone to view your sensor glucose value, rate of change, and the time stamp of the last sensor glucose reading. You can access the Notification Center by swiping down from the top of your screen, and close it by swiping up on your screen, or pressing the Home button on your iPhone.
Absolutely love the Connect but found I needed a way to carry it. I made up three bags/cases that may be tied to a wallet, purse, put on a belt, or back pack.
Wendy, it sounds like you found a great way to put your creativity to good use! We’re working on a case to carry both the pump and uploader, but I’m glad you found a resourceful way to keep it close in the meantime.
extra comment so that I get notifications if there is a reply…
Jen, thank you for your feedback – we hear you! We’re working on making it easier and more convenient for people with diabetes and their loved ones to access diabetes health information anytime, anywhere. Of course, I can’t talk about any specific future products, but please know we have a large team of talented people focused on developing the next generation of remote monitoring products. As additional products and services are developed, we will be sure to let the community know.
I am also a caregiver of type one diabetic child, and I just wanted to know how high on the list of “modifications” is it for us to be able to download an app that allows US to see the current blood sugar data? (my child doesn’t care if he sees the data on his pump or on a screen). This tool would be AMAZING for us parents in the middle of the night, sleepovers, etc. I know that we could get a text if there is no response to an alarm, but sometimes that is too little, too late. Is this idea/app actively being worked on? Months away? Years away? Thanks much, jen
Just an fyi. I recently bought a Galaxy Note 5. If I understand correctly, it operates differently than the S5. Hoping when you have the Android version available, it will function on the Note 5. In seeing seeveral comment regarding the volume levels of the CGM, and the poor connectivity range, I too am having those issues. Good news is I plan to be a lifelong Medtronics user. I have had others.
Ron, we started with the iPhone app and are working on an Android version that will be available soon. Samsung is working with Medtronic to also develop an app for Android and optimized experiences on Samsung mobile devices.
I’m sorry to hear you’re having connectivity issues between your CGM and insulin pump. I’ll have a member of my team reach out to try and help.
I’ve been using the Minimed Connect for about 2 weeks. It’s a nice addition to the suite! But there are a few bugs. First, there’s no way for me to turn on lock-screen notifications for the Minimed app. In the Settings app under Notifications, Minimed just doesn’t appear there as a choice. All my other apps are there, just not Minimed. Second, the uploader and the pump lose communication at some point every day. It’s not because they are too far apart, or the battery on one of the devices is low. They’ll be fully charged and lying right next to each other. The app will report “Pump weak signal” and it will never go away. The solution is to quit the Minimed app and relaunch it. Then it will go into “Updating” mode with a spinning wheel for about five minutes after which we’ll be back in business. This happens every single day. Finally, there’s no way to send feedback privately to the developers. All I can do is post my dissatisfaction to a public site like this knowing that a Medtronic rep is monitoring the posts. Seems less than ideal.
Except for these gripes, the app is well-designed. When the app and uploader are working, which is quite often, I do love it.
Hi Tom, I appreciate your candid feedback on your experience using MiniMed Connect, and am sorry you’re having trouble with the signal between your pump and the app. I’ll be sure to pass along your feedback to the product development teams, and will have someone from my team connect with you to troubleshoot the issues you’re experiencing.
A big thanks for that, Sara. Medtronic did call to troubleshoot and ultimately they replaced my Minimed Connect uploader. The new one pairs with the pump and iPhone more quickly. So things are better, but even with the uploader working as intended I still see “Pump weak signal” in the app throughout the day. This occurs with the uploader, pump and iPhone within 3 feet of each other. And it will just stay like that until I reboot the app and wait for it to finish “updating.” The only other radio frequency device in my house is a cordless phone but I only use it for about 5 minutes per day. It’s baffling. I can only assume that there’s some flaw in the uploader hardware or firmware, or in the app itself. Even in this flawed state, I’m getting some value from it. I just can’t rely on it like I wish I could. Sigh.
P.S. The problem I noted about not being able to set up lock-screen notifications was my mistake. I hadn’t read the instructions carefully.
Tom, I’m glad someone was able to connect with you and help, but am sorry to hear you’re still receiving the pump weak signal throughout the day. When this occurs, use the
Connect Devices screen to pair the uploader with the pump again. We’re always here if you need anything else.
After a few more weeks with my replaced Minimed Connect I would like to retract my previous complaints. It’s working really well. The communication hiccups are very rare indeed.
It is now October 2016, and we are having the same experiences. After weeks of “information unavailable” frustration and complaints MedT CS, I asked for a replacement connect. The “information unavailable ” events are rarer. However, as caregiver, I think that a medical device that has FDA approval that is intended to deliver information about potential life-threatening situations should NEVER FAIL when there is no operator error involved. But then, when MedT tells you that a CGM reading within 20% of Bg is “acceptable”, it is understandable that the connect system will be intermittent at best, with no effort forthcoming to fix the issues.
Great review, Karen! As you know, I’m currently not wearing my old MedT sensor, and recently switched to another CGM, but am still a loyal MedT pump wearer (off and on for 17 years now!) and I’m intrigued. I had a conversation with a MedT rep yesterday about this, and unfortunately it may come down to an insurance issue on whether or not I will be able to upgrade to the 530g system. But I’m going to see what I can do – as much as I love my current CGM, it WOULD be awfully convenient to have it all integrated with my pump. But thanks again for the review – definitely gives me something to think about. Hoping I don’t have to wait another 4 years till my next warranty is out before I can try it out! 🙂 Great job!!!
Shannon, please let us know if you need any help trying to upgrade, or with your insurance. We have a team of people here happy to help!
Many older men do not hear high frequencies . I am one …so must rely on the vibration feature for warnings and alerts.
I though my iPhone 6s would carry audible alerts that I could hear but no or at least I have not figured out how.
I like the display features and look foreword to the smart watch compatibility.
Why not…the night warning feature is of no value to me if my pump falls away from my body or I sleep thru the vibrations.
Stan, I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying the display features of MiniMed Connect. We are looking into having it compatible with the Apple Watch in the future. Please know that pump therapy is not indicated for people whose vision or hearing does not allow recognition of pump and CGM signals or alarms.
So many people have asked for the app to generate pump alert signals from the pumper’s phone, and Stan makes a very reasonable argument for the app to be upgraded to include this service. In our case, the Connect was expected to be the solution to not hearing the tiny pump alert sounds under bedding or winter clothing. Minimed could create an innovative app update that is in response to an obvious consumer need. Instead, 15 months after the app’s release, there have been NO updates, only occasional “we’re working on it” brush-offs or, worse yet, responses like this that ignore a common problem (high frequency auditory sensitivity deterioration) and tell the pumper that they are in the wrong for trying to manage their diabetes with a Medtronic pump. Something is seriously wrong here.
Karen, great review and the connect is a great concept but not geared to the caregiver which is what I am and what we need right now.
There is no app for the caregiver, only a mobile site that requires a log in Every. Time. Seriously? at 2am this is not fun. Now seeing it on the website is pretty good which is fine at work but when I really need it is at night, and that not so much. there really needs to be an app for caregiver like the user.
And the connect is not really easy for a middle school child to keep close by…the hole that I guess is supposed to be used to attach to something is too small for most things…it would be great if the tubing could fit thru it or a carabiner. I guess I need to buy her a fitbelt to store it all.
April, thank you for sharing your experience and feedback with us. I’ll be sure to pass this along to the product development team. If you’re interested, you can set up text message notifications in your loved one’s CareLink Personal account, and be notified for low or high sensor glucose, and pump alerts and alarms. Everyone has their own preference of how they carry the uploader, but here are a few suggestions you may find helpful: put it on a keychain, in a pocket, or along with something kept close (like a meter case). We’re working on a case to carry both the pump and uploader.
Sara,
Thanks for the feedback. I do have the text messages set but the convenience of the app would make the Connect so much better. Can I get on a list to be notified when this occurs? Or if there is even a timeline for this occurring?
Thanks,
April
April, while we do not have a timeline of future product updates, I can assure you we have a team working hard on what’s next and will keep the community updated.
In case nobody has tried, I keep my pump in a front pocket and cut a small hole in the pocket for the tube and fitting to fit through. Don’t cut the hole too low like I did ONCE. Things like coins can fall through.
Great tips, Ron! Thank you for sharing.
Great review, Karen. You are spot on in every aspect!
Karen I agree with you about all the benefits All three points are very valid . It is a great tool for us to add to our bag of things that helps us manage our diabetes. With this MiniMed Connect we are continuing to move forward in managing our diabetes.
Why only IPhone. I recently found out that I can longer print my own reports because I don’t have an ancient Windows operating system (Vista) which was the most recent Windows operating system compatible with the Carelink software. I had been able to use Foxfire until they upgraded their system that no longer works either because it doesn’t support Java. I understand that the software also works on Apple devices. Are you guys in bed with Apple? I wouldn’t waste my money on an Apple device.
Hi Jim, I’m sorry to hear you’re disappointed with CareLink Personal system compatibility, and know this can be frustrating. Please know the development, testing and regulatory approval process are designed to protect the safety of people like you who rely on healthcare software to manage their diabetes, and Medtronic does everything we can to get new updates to the market as soon as possible.
With MiniMed Connect, care partners can remotely monitor your glucose levels through a web browser from most smartphones, tablets, or computers with internet connectivity. Right now, the MiniMed Connect app is compatible with iPhones and iPods, and we’re working on Android compatibility. When we validate a new system, it’s faster to complete the process with Apple as you can validate on one type of device and cover the entire iOS family. For Androids you need to validate on a number of device/software versions prior to submitting for approval, which is why we chose Apple for the first version, but we’re working on the Android platform.
Hi Sara. This would be fantastic for me. I use a Samsung S5. Is it compatible?
Hi Ron. Currently, the MiniMed Connect app is available for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Samsung is working with Medtronic to develop a MiniMed Connect app for Android and optimized experiences on Samsung mobile devices. We will keep the community updated when this is available.
Great. I’m hoping soon. Thank you.
Problem with this personal use is fine but the my and most likely other diabetic caretakers do not take not in what mode the pump is in. I usual have a dualwave bolus and they do not note what mode or how much inuslin was delivered or the time and amoiunt of insulin needs to be delivered. This on the parts of both MD and assistant. MDs and assistants in their office should be aware of this problem.
Another probelm is there is no way where an abnormal situation appears to note why it happened so that the person viewing data could see. They just review quickly and are very locked in their box viewpoint.
Thank you for your comment, Pat. I’m sorry to hear that you’re having a problem with your MiniMed Connect. If you’d like to speak to one of our specialists to address any specific questions you have please email me your contact information at dhelp@medtronic.com and I’ll have a team member reach out.
Apple works very well for me. That is all I use now.
Megan, thanks for sharing! I’m glad you found what works best for you.
I’ve used Windows 8.1 to up load. I’ve never tried from the phone since that’s what this new system does without any action from me.
We also have an android phone which cag get the info on a live time basis. You just have to make sure the iPhone is connected to yhe system.
Thanks for the review Karen! I especially like that you can see your CGM number on your phone’s lock screen. Enjoy your MiniMed Connect!