New Apple Ad features Dexcom: Here is why that is important to you
"my daughter was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes"
People living with T1D are understandably excited to hear the words, "my daughter was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes" in an Apple ad... but that is just the beginning of why this Apple Watch advertisement should get your heart pumping.
The percentage of people with type 1 using continuous glucose monitoring technology is still relatively low. The barriers to adoption are multivariable. Cost, lack of insurance coverage, misunderstanding of what the technology brings to your life and plain just not knowing that it exists are but a few. The truth however is that even if you never find your way to a CGM this quick video, in my opinion, should still make you happy. Here's why.
We finally have a device manufacturer in the diabetes world who moved beyond the diabetes world. When Dexcom searched for others whose collaboration might improve their product, they didn't just form a relationship with a little start-up. They formed a relationship with Apple. The mention of Apple Watch integration with Dexcom in this ad, in my opinion, is not random. The mention didn't happen just because someone wrote a letter. It is there on purpose. This is Apple telling us what is important to them and a signal of where they are focusing their efforts when it comes to the health space.
The company that put a smartphone into most every hand on the plant and the company that is hugely responsible for the technology that keeps my daughter healthy, they are dating. I think we are all going to like what their future children grow up to be. I'm even more excited when I think about the relationship that Dexcom has with Omnipod and the ways that the Apple connection could improve all aspects of the tech that helps to keep Arden's BGs where we want them.
For the moment its great to hear diabetes in the mainstream in such a positive way, but I think that this is only the beginning of how Dexcom and Apple are going to make us smile. It is important to note that Dexcom advertises on the Juicebox Podcast but that I wrote this piece on my own.
RECALL: Medtronic Infusion Sets
From Medtronic
Explanation of the Issue
Medtronic has become aware of recent reports of potential over-delivery of insulin shortly after an infusion set change. Over-delivery of insulin can cause hypoglycemia and in extreme cases, death. Medtronic has received reports of hypoglycemia requiring medical intervention potentially related to this issue.
Our investigation has shown this can be caused by fluid blocking the infusion set membrane during the priming/fill-tubing process. A membrane blocked by fluid most likely occurs if insulin, alcohol, or water is spilled on top of the insulin reservoir which then could prevent the infusion set from working properly. Infusion sets currently being shipped by Medtronic contain a new and enhanced membrane material that significantly reduces this risk.
To see if your infusion sets are part of the recall please go to this page supplied by Medtronic
https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/customer-support/product-and-service-updates/notice7-letter
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Further Press release
Fitbit and Dexcom!
Fitbit and Dexcom to Develop Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Experience for People Living with Diabetes
press release
SAN FRANCISCO & SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fitbit (NYSE:FIT), the leading global wearables brand, and DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM), the leader in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for people with diabetes, today announced a collaboration to develop and market products to help people better manage their diabetes and get a more complete picture of their overall health with easy-to-use mobile tools.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170907005577/en/
The first planned initiative is to bring Dexcom CGM data to Fitbit's new smartwatch, Fitbit Ionic. Through this experience, Dexcom CGM users on either Android or iOS devices would be able to see both activity and glucose levels, right on their wrist.
"The strength of our brand and our ability to track critical health metrics continuously for up to 4+ days1, coupled with Dexcom's market leadership in CGM, present a powerful combination that we hope will help millions of people better manage their diabetes," said James Park, CEO of Fitbit. "With Ionic, we are focused on driving positive health outcomes and more health focused tools, and this collaboration is a wonderful example of how we plan to bring that vision to our users."
Dexcom CGM Display on Fitbit Ionic will provide data for those living with diabetes
The World Health Organization estimates2 that more than 400 million people around the world are living with diabetes. For those individuals being able to see both physical activity and glucose can be a vital tool for effectively managing their diabetes.
"The collaboration between Dexcom and Fitbit is an important step in providing useful information to people with diabetes that is both convenient and discreet," said Kevin Sayer, President and CEO, Dexcom. "We believe that providing Dexcom CGM data on Fitbit Ionic, and making that experience available to users of both Android and iOS devices, will have a positive impact on the way people manage their diabetes."
A health and fitness first platform, Ionic offers a highly personalized experience not previously seen in other smartwatches. Ionic features a relative SpO2 sensor, industry-leading GPS tracking, on-device dynamic workouts, improved heart rate tracking, and water resistance up to 50 meters. Plus, smart features like contactless payments, on-board music, smart notifications, and a variety of popular apps and clock faces available in the Fitbit App Gallery. Ionic also has all the core features from Fitbit like 4+ day battery life, automatic activity and sleep tracking, and cross-platform compatibility.
In addition to the Dexcom CGM display for Fitbit Ionic, with Fitbit's in-app Community, Dexcom CGM users will now be able to connect with millions of people, where they can ask questions, seek support and share successes in managing their health.
The companies are targeting availability as soon as possible in 2018 and will continue to explore opportunities to work together to develop tools and resources aimed at helping people better manage their diabetes.
Dexcom is a sponsor of the Juicebox Podcast. You can use this link to find out more about our favorite continuous glucose monitoring system.
Make your own solar eclipse viewer from a Dexcom box
Dexcom Eclipse Viewer
We wanted to see the eclipse but couldn't find those paper glasses and a proper filter for my camera was nearly $250! I definitely want to check out the NASA website and watch like an astronaut but we also want to go outside and experience the magic first-hand. So we made our own viewer from a Dexcom box and you can too. All you'll need is a pair of scissors, aluminum foil, some clear tape and a box.
I followed the instruction in this NASA video because if they don't know, who does?
Finished viewer. I already tried it and it works great. The only thing left to do is hope for clear skies. Good luck!
Please remember that it is almost NEVER safe to look directly at the sun, even today. Unless you are somewhere that will experience a total eclipse and then you can only look while the sun is completely blocked by the moon. Everything you need to know about that can be found here. CNN story. When in doubt always choose to not fry your eyes, they don't regenerate like your skin does when sunburned.
Shameless plug: You'll be outside for a while... might as well bring the Juicebox Podcast with you to help pass the time. You can listen online (below) or with your Apple device or Android phone.
Dexcom G5 CGM System is now covered under Medicare
From Dexcom.com - July 14, 2017
Important information regarding the recent Medicare announcement
Dexcom has begun to distribute Dexcom G5 CGM System supplies directly to eligible Medicare beneficiaries. We have contracted with Ascensia to provide the Contour® Next One blood glucose meter in the bundle of products covered by Medicare. Today, we are not licensed to service all 50 states, so we will also be using Medicare distributors to support us.
What does this ruling mean? Who is covered?
The ruling means Medicare patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes on intensive insulin therapy who meet the following criteria may now be able to obtain reimbursement:
- The beneficiary requires a therapeutic CGM. The beneficiary has diabetes mellitus; and,
- The beneficiary has been using a home blood glucose monitor (BGM) and performing frequent (four or more times a day) BGM testing; and,
- The beneficiary is insulin-treated with 3 or more daily injections (MDI) of insulin or a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump; and,
- The beneficiary's insulin treatment regimen requires frequent adjustments by the beneficiary on the basis of therapeutic CGM testing results.
- Within six (6) months prior to ordering the CGM, the beneficiary had an in-person visit with the treating practitioner to evaluate their diabetes control and determine that the above criteria are met; and,
Every six (6) months following the initial prescription of the CGM, the beneficiary has an in-person visit with the treating practitioner to assess adherence to their CGM regimen and diabetes treatment plan.
Note: With the initial Medicare coverage ruling, there is a requirement that patients only use the Dexcom G5 Receiver to view their glucose data and not a smart phone or other device. We realize that many patients want to use their smart phone to view their glucose data and we are continuing to work with CMS regarding this decision. For now, exclusive use of the G5 receiver is the requirement for Medicare reimbursement. Dexcom has no ability to override this decision, therefore, we must advise our customers not to use the app with the Medicare product. If a patient feels it is critical to have the ability to use the app, a non-Medicare reimbursed Dexcom system is available for purchase with a prescription.
The Medicare coverage decision for Dexcom G5 is a victory for patient access, and we hope, a first step in getting access to the entire Dexcom G5 set of capabilities. Beneficiaries should reach out to 1-800-MEDICARE with any questions about the Medicare requirements for Dexcom CGM.
Are other CGM products covered as well?
The ruling specifically states that only CGM products labeled as a replacement of fingerstick blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions by the FDA and referred to in the ruling as “therapeutic CGM” will be covered. Thus, Dexcom G5 CGM System is the only therapeutic CGM on the market set to be covered by Medicare at this time.
How do I get my Dexcom G5 CGM System?
New patients should contact Dexcom by visiting Dexcom.com/medicare and submitting a Dexcom G5 CGM interest form. Priority will be given to existing Dexcom CGM patients followed by new patients in the order they were originally received. As our sales representatives work through the queue, patients can expect to hear from Dexcom or an authorized Dexcom distributor about getting started. This will be a slow process but we will ramp as quickly as we can.
Who will send me my Dexcom G5 CGM System?
We are happy to announce that Dexcom will begin to distribute Dexcom G5 CGM System supplies directly to eligible Medicare beneficiaries within the next few weeks. We have contracted with Ascensia to provide the Contour® Next One blood glucose meter in the bundle of products covered by Medicare. Today, we are not licensed to service all 50 states, so we will also be using Medicare distributors to support us.
How much can I expect to pay for my Dexcom G5 CGM System?
Patients who are covered by Medicare can expect to cover 20% of the costs, although this additional amount may be covered by secondary insurance. Medicare will cover the remaining 80%.
I am using a Dexcom G4 PLATINUM CGM. How will this affect me?
The ruling specifically states that only CGM products approved by the FDA as a replacement of fingerstick blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions would be covered, so the Dexcom G4 PLATINUM will not apply. Currently, only the Dexcom G5 CGM System meets this criteria and would be eligible for Medicare coverage. Patients using Dexcom G4 PLATINUM may want to talk to their physicians or Dexcom to see if they would be eligible for Dexcom G5 CGM System.
I still have questions. Who can I contact?
Please call Dexcom Customer Service at 888-738-3646 for additional information.