CGM tech wizzardry..

[Jaylee]

Hi,

I've been looking at a veriaty of CGM sites & wot not.
Just found this.. (Referencing the video.)

My idea is use a mobile device tethered to the Bluetooth transmitter on the sensor? Using an app on the device? In my case an iPad mini. It's actually the only Apple product I own. I carry it about in a bag everywhere anyway to record BG levels, carbs, & shots any way.

So the question is. Do I need the Dexcom reader & just use the pad? & thus just fork out for sensor & tranmitter? (As they seem to imply using this expensive watch?)

Any ideas..?

 

[TorqPenderloin]

Not sure if I understand your question, but I'll take a stab at it...

The Dexcom G5 system allows you to pair your Dexcom transmitter directly to your iPhone (no Dexcom receiver needed). The Apple Watch pairs with your iPhone and is basically an extension of what you're seeing on your phone. That's the exact setup I have myself.

The older Dexcom G4 has a similar functionality, but requires the Dexcom receiver to be carried with you. There are 3rd party hacks (Google "Nightscout") that allow you to use a 3rd party wearable device, but I'm not terribly familiar with how it works. @tim2000s is pretty familiar with it iirc.

If you live in the UK, the problem you'll find is that the G5 transmitters are pretty expensive (350gbp iirc) and only last 3-3.5 months before they automatically shutoff. The G4 transmitters are only rated to 6 months, but they don't have an auto shut-off feature and some have gotten 1+ years life out of them.

While I live in the US, I personally found the G5 system to be worth the premium. My Dexcom receiver NEVER gets used and I don't think I've even charged it in the last 2-3 months. The cost difference for me is only about $1000usd difference/year. That may sound like a lot, but it's worth not having to carry an extra device with me at all times.

 

[Jaylee]

Thanks @TorqPenderloin

That's exactly the angle I was coming from..
The G5 sensor/transmitter from the Dexcom site's "blurb" looked as if it could be directly paired with either an Android or Apple device (using the Dexcom app.) such as a phone or tablet (tablet being just like a big phone. Lol)
I do carry the iPad like a big organiser which is synched with my phone, (diary contacts & Blood monitoring stuff.) but the phone is Windows, which app wise for a Lumia has no service from Dexcom.

 

[TorqPenderloin]

Thanks @TorqPenderloin

That's exactly the angle I was coming from..
The G5 sensor/transmitter from the Dexcom site's "blurb" looked as if it could be directly paired with either an Android or Apple device (using the Dexcom app.) such as a phone or tablet (tablet being just like a big phone. Lol)
I do carry the iPad like a big organiser which is synched with my phone, (diary contacts & Blood monitoring stuff.) but the phone is Windows, which app wise for a Lumia has no service from Dexcom.

I guess my only thought is that if you're going to pair it with the ipad, why not just save yourself the money and get the g4 system? The point of the g5 system is so you can pair it with your iphone and keep it in your pocket.

It sounds like you may want to look into the G4 with share system and hack it to use the nightscout app. That would save you a ton of money (possibly as much as 1000gbp a year) and you could pair it with pretty much any device you want (although it may need to be android based). Again, Tim knows much more than I do on that one.

Of note: I don't think the G5 is available for android just yet (or at least the last time I checked).

 

[tim2000s]

Hi @Jaylee, I've built the xDrip wireless bridge (similar to @DunePlodder) and use it with android. It's great and you can buy only the bits you need from a German store. Give me a shout if you want more info. Thanks @TorqPenderloin.

 

[Jaylee]

Cheers @tim2000s

I've been following the "white rabbit" on this after seeing your post & found this site..
https://github.com/StephenBlackWasAlreadyTaken/xDrip/wiki/xDrip-Wireless-Bridge

Now I'm no stranger to a soldering iron. My experience/interest is with auto electrics & pulled of some cunning practical mods & component repairs on my 21 year old Jap import van.. (I know. I just can't let it go!)
I also have a mate (believe it or not.) building a robot to patrol his garden for some reason..!?! (It sort of looks like a Mars rover crossed with R2D2?) sooo, access to the tools is no issue.. Lol

What I already have at my disposal to interpret the sensor readings on, (mobile device wise) is an iPad mini & a widows phone... If it ain't broke? Don't replace or fix it. As you can tell from the vehicle I drive. I'm not into the latest model..

I'm looking for "bang for buck" without carrying another box o tricks about. Though I could easily ditch the phone..

 

[rstonepal]

Not sure if I understand your question, but I'll take a stab at it...

The Dexcom G5 system allows you to pair your Dexcom transmitter directly to your iPhone (no Dexcom receiver needed). The Apple Watch pairs with your iPhone and is basically an extension of what you're seeing on your phone. That's the exact setup I have myself.

The older Dexcom G4 has a similar functionality, but requires the Dexcom receiver to be carried with you. There are 3rd party hacks (Google "Nightscout") that allow you to use a 3rd party wearable device, but I'm not terribly familiar with how it works. @tim2000s is pretty familiar with it iirc.

If you live in the UK, the problem you'll find is that the G5 transmitters are pretty expensive (350gbp iirc) and only last 3-3.5 months before they automatically shutoff. The G4 transmitters are only rated to 6 months, but they don't have an auto shut-off feature and some have gotten 1+ years life out of them.

While I live in the US, I personally found the G5 system to be worth the premium. My Dexcom receiver NEVER gets used and I don't think I've even charged it in the last 2-3 months. The cost difference for me is only about $1000usd difference/year. That may sound like a lot, but it's worth not having to carry an extra device with me at all times.

How do you like the G5? It does not sound as if you have any major issues with it.

 

[TorqPenderloin]

How do you like the G5? It does not sound as if you have any major issues with it.

I really like it and it offers benefits far beyond just the continuous glucose monitoring. I don't think it's for everyone as there can be a potential to obsess over your numbers, but I'd argue that it's been the most helpful tool in managing my diabetes.

The Apple watch is also particularly helpful as I can just glance down at my wrist rather than having to unlock my phone and open the Dexcom app. That may not seem like that big of a deal, but it can be in a business setting, when I'm going for a run, or when I'm driving.

The major issue I have with the system is partially my own fault and partially because the system works by measuring our interstitial fluids. I have a bad back and change positions while sleeping every few hours at night. I will sometimes roll onto my Dexcom transmitter which can yield false lows. Other than that, I haven't had any other major problems.

 

[ElkBond]

@TorqPenderloin we are still waiting for the Apple Watch update in the UK