Top tips for your medical device apps

Person using smartphone

In today’s world, people manage almost everything in their lives on their smartphone. So, why should managing your diabetes be any different? We’re thrilled to bring you smartphone apps with the MiniMedTM 780G system, MiniMedTM 770G system, GuardianTM Connect CGM, and the InPenTM smart insulin pen. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your Medtronic apps. 

 

1. Compatibility and downloading 
 

Because our apps are classified as medical software, we test them with each smartphone model and operating system before releasing to ensure they work perfectly. If you or your care partner have a smartphone or software version that is not on the compatibility list, please know that these lists are updated often. Before using a new smartphone or updating software, we recommend checking the list here to make sure you’re compatible:

Note that in the case of the MiniMedTM 780G and MiniMedTM 770G insulin pump systems, if your smartphone is not compatible with an app, you will still be able to use and benefit from the diabetes management therapy, even without the app. Also make sure you have downloaded the correct app. Each of our Bluetooth® enabled systems has a unique app tailored for your experience with the product you are using.

Product App Names and Stores

MiniMedTM 780G system

MiniMedTM 770G system

MiniMed Mobile App iconMiniMed Mobile App App for people living with diabetes
CareLink Connect App iconCareLink Connect App App for care partners
GuardianTM Connect CGM SystemGuardian Connect App iconGuardian Connect App
Sugar.IQ Diabetes Assistant App iconSugar.IQ Diabetes Assistant App 
InPenTM Smart PenInPen: Diabetes Management App iconInPen: Diabetes Management App

*Just a reminder that if you’re using any of our MiniMedTM 600 and 500-series pumps, you will not have mobile app connectivity. If you’d like to learn more about having a connected pump or device, you can always reach us at 1-800-646-4633 (option 3) between 9AM–6PM CT to learn about your options. 

 

2. Ongoing use and updating your phone’s operating system 
 

We recommend you disable your smartphone’s automatic operating system updates. Operating system (OS) updates can occur frequently and may impact your app experience. Turning off automatic updates on your mobile device may help you avoid unintentionally updating to an operating system that interferes with your ability to use the app. We do extensive testing on all OS updates for our apps. This means there may be a delay between the latest OS release and when the new app version becomes available to you. 

We usually establish compatibility around 2-6 weeks after an OS release but are always working to shorten this time. If your smartphone has a major operating system that is not compatible, the app will not work. If there’s a minor operating system update that is not compatible with our apps, the app may still work, but when you open your app, you’ll see a notification stating your OS has not been verified. Tapping continue from the bottom on the screen will let you continue to use the app. Please note in this case, information may function differently than intended. Steps to turn off auto updates on your operating system For apple devices: From the settings menu, go to General > Software Updates > Automatic Updates, set to the “off” position.

 

For android devices: Go to System updates menu, > Automatic security updates > turn OFF. 

It’s also important to keep the app running in the background. This helps ensure that you receive alerts and notifications along with the data since you last opened the app. This makes it so you can still receive updates, alerts, and alarms even if you aren’t actively looking at the app. Some mobile devices default to background apps “off” to help conserve battery. You can change this by tapping on “Settings” from your mobile device and searching for “Background Apps” and switching “on”. (Individual mobile device language and setting location may vary.) 

 

3. Receiving important product updates and compatibility messages 
 

We frequently update our compatibility lists and can inform you about an upcoming major operating system update so that you can prevent any interruptions. Updating your communication preferences allows you to opt-in to emails about product education and training along with a text message when an update is available or expected. You can manage your communication preferences directly at Diabetes.Shop. If you experience problems or have any other app questions, call 24-Hour Technical Support at 1-800-646-4633, option 1. For more app support tips and answers to frequently asked questions, visit our website.

We hope these app tips are helpful for you! What tips do you have that you’d like to share with us? 

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: 
 
Important safety information: MiniMed™ 780G system with SmartGuard™ technology with Guardian™ 4 sensor

The MiniMed™ 780G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin at selectable rates, and the administration of insulin boluses at 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™ 780G system includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor glucose values and can suspend delivery of insulin when the sensor glucose (SG) value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values.
The Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G system consists of the following devices: MiniMed™ 780G insulin pump, the Guardian™ 4 transmitter, the Guardian™ 4 sensor, One-press serter, the Accu-Chek™ Guide Link blood glucose meter, and the Accu-Chek™ Guide test strips. The system requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.
The Guardian™ 4 sensor is intended for use with the MiniMed™ 780G system and the Guardian 4 transmitter to monitor glucose levels for the management of diabetes. The sensor is intended for single use and requires a prescription. The Guardian™ 4 sensor is indicated for up to seven days of continuous use.
The Guardian™ 4 sensor is not intended to be used directly to make therapy adjustments while the MiniMed™ 780G is operating in manual mode. All therapy adjustments in manual mode should be based on measurements obtained using a blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ 4 sensor. The Guardian™ 4 sensor has been studied and is approved for use in patients ages 7 years and older and in the arm insertion site only. Do not use the Guardian™ 4 sensor in the abdomen or other body sites including the buttocks, due to unknown or different performance that could result in hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
 
WARNING: Do not use the SmartGuard™ feature 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 the SmartGuard™ feature.

WARNING: Do not use the MiniMed™ 780G system until appropriate training has been received from a healthcare professional. Training is essential to ensure the safe use of the MiniMed™ 780G system.
 
WARNING: Do not use SG values to make treatment decisions, including delivering a bolus, while the pump is in Manual Mode. When the SmartGuard™ feature is active and you are no longer in Manual Mode, the pump uses an SG value, when available, to calculate a bolus amount. However, if your symptoms do not match the SG value, use a BG meter to confirm the SG value. Failure to confirm glucose levels when your symptoms do not match the SG value can result in the infusion of too much or too little insulin, which may cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
 
Pump therapy is not recommended for people whose vision or hearing does not allow for the recognition of pump signals, alerts, or alarms. The safety of the MiniMed™ 780G system has not been studied in pregnant women, persons with type 2 diabetes, or in persons using other anti-hyperglycemic therapies that do not include insulin. 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 https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information#minimed-780g and the appropriate user guide at https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library

 

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 (SG) values 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 https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information#minimed-770g and the appropriate user guide at https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library

 

GUARDIAN CONNECT SYSTEM 

The Guardian™ Connect system requires a prescription and is indicated for continuous or periodic monitoring of glucose levels in the interstitial fluid under the skin, in patients (14 to 75 years of age) with diabetes mellitus. The system is intended to complement, not replace, information obtained from standard blood glucose monitoring devices, and is not recommended for people who are unwilling or unable to perform a minimum of two meter blood glucose tests per day, or for people who are unable or unwilling to maintain contact with their healthcare professional. The system requires a functioning mobile electronic device with correct settings. If the mobile device is not set up or used correctly, you may not receive sensor glucose information or alerts. For complete details of the system and its components, including warnings, contraindications, and precautions, please consult the user guide at http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/support/download-library/user-guides and www.medtronicdiabetes.com/importantsafetyinformation. 

 

INPEN 

The InPen is a reusable insulin pen for people living with diabetes. It can be used to deliver insulin, help calculate insulin doses, and estimate carbohydrates for meals. Those under the age of 7 should only use the device with an adult’s supervision. A healthcare provider must prescribe InPen, provide dosage settings, and discuss all potential benefits and risks. Using the device with incorrect therapy settings may lead to severe highs and lows. The InPen should not be used by those unable to test blood glucose levels or the visually impaired. For additional product and important safety information, click here.

SUGAR.IQ APP 

The Sugar.IQ™ app (MMT-8100) helps manage diabetes by facilitating the logging and display of meal entries and sensor glucose (SG) data, tracking meal log entries, reporting insights of how meals affect glucose levels, and supporting good choices and trends with motivational messages. The app serves as an additional display for real-time CGM data from the Guardian™ Connect system through the CareLink™ Personal software. It is not intended to provide medical advice and should not be relied upon for such purpose. The app is not intended to replace the real-time display of the CGM data on the Guardian™ Connect app, control any functions of the connecting device, calculate insulin or other drug doses, or modify data or control functions of the Guardian Connect system. All therapy decisions should be made by the app user based on blood glucose (BG) measurements obtained from a BG meter. Changes to treatment should only be made in consultation with a healthcare professional (HCP). For complete details, consult the user guide at http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library.

 

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Blog comments

Submitted by Mary (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I'm excited for a new adventure with the 770 I love all the features can't wait to start it next week.

Submitted by Chris Lowrey (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Hi Katie,

It is great to see Minimed moving forward with medical device apps.

Can you tell us when will we get an Apple Watch app that will show us our current glucose and a graph of the trending glucose levels? Many of us have been waiting a long time for this!

Thank you.

Chris

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Chris Lowrey (not verified)

Chris, we are working on making your data viewable in multiple ways. We're not able to share a timeline, but we'll update our community as soon as we can.

Submitted by TIm Patton (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Can we expect the Medtronic apps to be available on smart watches?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by TIm Patton (not verified)

Tim, the apps can only be used on a smartphone, but we are working to make this available in the future. Stay tuned for updates.

Submitted by Debra Ridley (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thank you

Submitted by Michael B Barnett (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

An urgent emergency update for Apple devices August 19, 2022, did not appear to impact my application after I updated aside from having to log into the Medtronic application (from what I recall). The operating system had a major flaw and required immediate attention totally independent of anything Metronic was concerned about. (I have to wonder if the operating system flaw could have facilitated taking control of the Apple device AND the Metronic device as well. We may never know.)
With automatic updates for the operating system switched off, there is a huge assumption that patients are monitoring for announcements around operating system updates and somehow understand when it is safe to update the operating system and update the Medtronic application. With this problem statement, is there a program at Medtronic to coordinate that effort in light of patients defeating the automatic updates for operating systems on their devices?

Submitted by Rae (not verified) on

In reply to by Michael B Barnett (not verified)

Michael, we are working on being more proactive to advise customers to shut off their automatic updates when needed and advising when the iOS is now compatible. We appreciate your feedback!

Submitted by Don Zabcik (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

When will your system update compatibility for Android 13? and when will there be a function to warn us that updating our operating system will disable the functionality of the app?

Submitted by Rae (not verified) on

In reply to by Don Zabcik (not verified)

Don, we are working on this and anticipate an update within a few weeks. We do share tips and tricks, including app updates, on our website at: https://bit.ly/36PXbtF

Submitted by Toni Nieminen (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Hi,

When Carelink Connect app support iOS 16.4.1 version? Older iOS versions are not safe to use and Apple recommend update devices very fast to the newest 16.4.1 version. Now you support 16.0 version and it is very old version.

You have to WORK HARDER with these updates because right now it take too long time when your app support newest versions. It is not right that people devices are not updated safety versions because your app didn`t support new versions.

Best regards,
Toni Nieminen

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Toni Nieminen (not verified)

We appreciate the feedback, Toni. Since our apps are considered medical software, updates require extensive testing and regulatory approval, which may create delays. While iOS 16.4.1 has not been fully tested, you should have the option to press continue on the pop-up screen and continue to use the app. if you experience trouble with the apps function, please give our technical support team a call at 800.646.4633, option 1.


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