CGM Michigan

Dexcom Acquires TypeZero Technologies: More Options for People with Diabetes

Dexcom acquires TypeZero Technologies and looks to enter the artificial pancreas and insulin delivery space.

Dexcom acquires TypeZero Technologies and looks to enter the artificial pancreas and insulin delivery space.

While nobody has a crystal ball, Dexcom's recent acquisition of TypeZero technologies is likely to mean even more options for people living with diabetes. The past year has seen a good deal of innovation in diabetes technology with Medtronic's release of their 670G hybrid closed loop system, Dexcom's finger stick free G6 CGM system, Medtronic's launch of their stand alone Guardian Connect CGM system, and Tandem's soon-to-be-released Basal IQ technology.

According to an article posted on the Diabtes.co.uk site this past Tuesday, Dexcom's acquisition of TypeZero might mean they are positioning the company to enter into the "artificial pancreas" and insulin delivery space. A compelling aspect of this deal is that TypeZero has already been working with a variety of companies including Tandem Diabetes, and Cellnovo - TyperZero's inControl system - seeks to create compatibility with multiple pump/CGM combinations, not just those that are proprietary in nature. Overall this is excellent news for people with diabetes, providers, and care team members. 

Looking for a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier for CGM, insulin pump supplies, or a new pump? Healthy Living Medical Supply specializes in diabetes-related technologies and therapies and takes pride in providing compassionate and efficient customer service to our customers who are living with diabetes. Give us a call at 866.779.8512, chat with an agent live, or fill the form on this page to start the simple, five-minute enrollment process to begin receiving your CGM and insulin pump supplies from a company that gets it.

Healthy Living Medical Supply is in network with most major insurance companies in the state of Michigan, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (HAP), Priority Health, Michigan Medicaid, Medicare, and many others. 

 

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Tandem t:slim X2 & Dexcom G5 CGM Have Teamed Up!

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Playing in the backyard (thinkstock.com)

Playing in the backyard (thinkstock.com)

A new insulin pump & CGM duo has been FDA approved. The t:slim X2 Insulin Pump is now compatible with the Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM! Tandem is currently sending software updates to existing t:slim X2 Pump users who want to add the CGM feature from home using their personal computer.

We are ready to take questions about this update and process any orders. Call us at 866.779.8512 (Option 2) to reach our Insulin Pump Therapy Team for knowledgeable service.

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Highlighting the Revolutionary Medtronic 670G – Features & Reviews

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Medtronic MiniMed 670G (Photo by Steve Wood)

Medtronic MiniMed 670G (Photo by Steve Wood)

The Medtronic MiniMed® 670G System is the world’s first hybrid closed loop insulin pump system, sometimes referred to as an artificial pancreas. The system constantly self-adjusts to automatically keep your sugar levels in range, based on how you live your everyday life. This FDA-approved system is specialized for type 1 diabetes patients, ages 14 and over, and requires a prescription.  The Medtronic MiniMed® 670G System is now shipping.

3 New Features that Set the 670G Apart from Earlier Insulin Pumps:

1.     Manual Mode – Suspend-before-low option helps you avoid lows and rebound highs proactively by automatically stopping insulin 30 minutes before you reach pre-selected low limits, then automatically restarting insulin when your levels recover (without alerts).

2.     Auto Mode – Automatically adjusts basal insulin delivery up and down every 4 minutes, based on your sugar levels, to keep you in target range, all day and night. The system can temporarily change your glucose target during athletic activity to help maintain a safe range.

3.     Guardian sensor 3 continuous glucose monitoring sensor – Offers seven-day wear and easy insertion, and is the first and only CGM sensor that is FDA-approved and trusted to control insulin dosing.

Other Medtronic MiniMed® 670G System Highlights:

  • Glucose levels are automatically kept within range all night long for a restful, uninterrupted night’s sleep.
  • The system is waterproof, with a bright color screen.
  • At meals and snacks, only check your glucose and enter the number of carbs when you administer a bolus. The 670G system will do the math to regulate your insulin and keep glucose levels in range without any necessary insulin injections.

Speaking from Experience

Jason Gensler is a person with type 1 diabetes and the founder of the Foundation for Type One Diabetes. Jason has been wearing the Medtronic 670G for the last 2 years or so and can share these insights (in his words):

  • "I am experiencing very impressive results, yet I’m only testing 4-5 times per day and calibrating three times."
  • "I’d say the best aspect is that the system itself is so intuitive and user-friendly. It’s always one step ahead, and the sensor is incredibly accurate."
  • "It’s a relief! The day that it sinks in, when you realize that you’ve relinquished a majority of the control to the pump, is the day you begin to experience the freedom that so many of us haven’t had since the day we were diagnosed."
  • "Living with T1D is hard, and staying positive can be even harder, but I’d like to remind everyone to appreciate just how far our industry has come. The technology that has been developed in the last few years is unbelievable! Let’s all be grateful that we live in a time where technology can help us lead normal lives, and that we can’t have unrealistic expectations and find a cure yesterday."

Sources for Jason Gensler quotes:

https://asweetlife.org/what-its-like-to-use-the-medtronic-670g/

http://jasongensler670gexperience.com/

Learn more about the 670G directly from the Medtronic website. 

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CGM Basics: Clarifying the System & Benefits in 5 Questions

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Checking CGM data on an iPhone, image from pexels.com.

Checking CGM data on an iPhone, image from pexels.com.

Over a big group dinner the other night, I found out that there is a considerable amount of confusion about both what CGM is and the differences between CGM and insulin pumps. Hopefully this blog will help shed some light on these questions!

1. What information will I get from Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?

CGM measures glucose in the tissue fluid throughout the day and night, about every five minutes, and sends the collected data to a receiver, phone, or insulin pump. This information can tell you how your glucose levels are trending, so you can make better decisions about your insulin dosing.

2. How can CGM help me manage diabetes better?

A continuous glucose monitor is a small wearable device system that tracks your glucose throughout the day and night, notifying you of highs and lows so you can take action. A CGM system consists of 3 parts:

  • Small, under-the-skin sensor that measures glucose levels
  • Transmitter that attaches to the sensor and transmits data
  • Receiver that displays real-time glucose information

3. Are there additional benefits of CGM?

Continuous glucose monitoring can help you make the best possible decisions since you'll be able to see your trend data provided by the CGM instead of basing choices only on a number from a blood glucose meter reading. You can also set thresholds for high and low numbers, and the CGM will alert you when it senses your glucose levels have moved out of the safe range you set.

4. Is CGM covered by insurance?

Yes, CGM is covered by many insurance plans. Our Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team can help you obtain a prescription from your doctor, navigate the insurance verification process, and place your CGM system order. They also help customers with CGM supply refills.

5. What is the difference between CGM & insulin pumps?

Continuous glucose monitoring collects information on your blood glucose levels. This information can be used for proper insulin dosing through your insulin pump. CGM and insulin pumps can be used separately (a person can use just one or the other) or together.