Continuous Glucose Monitors

Sign the Petition in Support of CGM Access for All

4 Comments

I’ve been using FreeStyle Libre intermittently since May 2016, before making the leap to full time CGM in September 2019.

Today, continuous glucose monitoring is something I couldn’t live without.

I acknowledge my privilege in being able to say this.

I can’t imagine not being able to glance at my phone and see updated blood glucose readings every five minutes, or the safeguard of having alarms alerting me to out of range levels while I sleep.

For most adults in Australia, with the exception of those who meet strict eligibility criteria, funding for CGM comes out of our own pockets. Those who do meet the strict criteria face losing access to the subsidy once their circumstances change – whether it be turning 21, no longer being pregnant or no longer qualifying for a health care card.

The only way that I can afford this technology right now is through the generosity of the diabetes community. By using transmitters that have been very generously donated and rebatteried, and by restarting sensors that are hanging on my arm by a thread.

Even that still costs me a good $1,500 or so per year.

There’s a pretty important petition that’s been circulating recently on the Parliament of Australia website, calling on the government to fully subsidise CGM for all Aussies with type 1 diabetes.

If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to add your signature and then share the link far and wide.

https://www.aph.gov.au/petition_sign?id=EN2168

From the bottom of my busted pancreas, thank you.

Medtronic 670G System Closer to Approval in Australia

3 Comments

Medtronic Diabetes made an announcement last week regarding their 670G hybrid closed loop system, and last week I had a chance to catch up with the team at the Australasian Diabetes Congress to clear up some of the confusion.

Medtronic’s 670G hybrid closed loop system consists of an insulin pump and a CGM that, when combined, will automatically adjust basal insulin based on CGM readings to regulate blood glucose levels. Of the many hybrid closed loop systems currently in development, Medtronic’s is likely the closest to hitting the market.

Last week’s announcement was the approval of the 670G insulin pump. What has not been approved, however, are the CGM sensors that are compatible for use with the 670G pump. Without approval of the sensors, the system is not yet available for use in Australia.

It’s hard not to overlook the fact that AMSL were also launching the Tandem t:slim at the time of Medtronic’s announcement. We have relatively new options in Cellnovo and YpsoPump, that are also shaking up the pump landscape here in Australia.

Medtronic’s hybrid system is now available in the US. Clinical trials undertaken with this system have been going on in Australia for quite some time. Melbourne endo David O’Neal presented some early clinical trials back at Diabetes Advocates Day last year. I have spoken with a few people who have trialled this system – both blinded and unblinded – and their reactions have clearly been life changing.

The 670G system can be used in both manual and auto (hybrid closed loop) mode. My understanding is that the user will need to use the pump in manual mode for a few days for the system to collect insulin data, before being able to switch to auto mode.

Most notably, this system will only correct blood glucose levels to a target of 6.6mmol/L. For some, this target will be fantastic, while for others it won’t be acceptable. I see this reason as twofold. Firstly, this ‘safer’ target range likely makes a system of this nature easier to receive approval. Secondly, this will also pave the way for Medtronic to sell an enhanced system down the line with a better blood glucose target. I believe that there is a 690G system in the pipeline already!

During the Congress, several clinical trials undertaken using the 670G were referenced. CDE Sue Wyatt told us that there was still another six months to go in a study she was referencing with the 670G system, which was rather telling about a timeframe for approval of these 670G compatible sensors.

Medtronic are currently offering new customers who take up insulin pump therapy (currently a 640G system) a free upgrade to the 670G system when it is approved for use in Australia. New pumpers are also being offered six months of free Continuous Glucose Monitoring with no further obligation, which can be used anytime between now and March 2019.

Despite being told that Medtronic were committed to making the latest technology available to people with diabetes, this offer excludes existing Medtronic customers – including our very own DAPeoplesVoice team member Melinda Seed. Having recently upgraded her pump, she will have to wait four years before having the option of this system available to her. Shall we start a #670GForMelinda?

Another criticism would definitely have to be the size of this pump. Many users have expressed disappointment that Medtronic have been making their insulin pumps larger than previous iterations. After briefly holding the 640G pump on show, it stacked up bigger than my late Animas Vibe, YpsoPump and t:slim I played with last week.

I also don’t regret highlighting to Medtronic the importance of not making Multiple Daily Injections feel shameful in marketing their products. Admittedly, it has been some months since I have seen such material surface and I do feel that they are taking this feedback on board.

One year ago, the insulin pumping landscape was looking very dire for people with diabetes. Today, we have a several choices for people considering insulin pump therapy here in Australia.

At the end of the day, more choice for people with diabetes is always a good thing.

Disclosure: Diabetes Australia covered my travel, accommodation and registration to attend the Australasian Diabetes Congress. My time, including the annual leave I had taken from work to attend, was my own. These opinions are also my own and do not reflect those of Diabetes Australia.

Tandem t:slim X2 Insulin Pump Launches in Australia!

11 Comments

Tandem’s t:slim X2 insulin pump officially hit Aussie shores last week at the Australasian Diabetes Congress. It will be distributed by AMSL Diabetes here in Australia as a successor to Animas, which is in the process of exiting the pump market. AMSL invited me to a launch dinner in Adelaide last week, where I had the opportunity to play with (but not keep) this new diabetes toy.

AMSL diabetes will be upgrading all of their customers with an existing, in warranty Animas Vibe insulin pump to the t:slim over the course of the next 12 months at no extra cost. Customers will need to return their old Animas pumps within one week as a condition of receiving the upgraded pump. This is a part of AMSL’s contract with Animas.

This upgrade is basically treated as a replacement for the pump I have already paid for two years ago. Then, in two years when my warranty period is up, I will be eligible for another through my private health insurance. It makes complete sense. Besides, AMSL will only have limited capacity to service Vibe pumps now that Animas have gone out of business.

AMSL have a dedicated transition team looking after upgrades, and they will be getting in touch with eligible customers over the next twelve months. You will need to go through a healthcare professional, which is regulatory, but frustrating considering I already know how to use an insulin pump! I hear that upgrades are expected to commence in October, however customers who wish to remain on an Animas Vibe will also be supported.

During the evening we heard from Aymeric Lecanu-Fayet, Senior Director at Tandem Diabetes Care in the States. The t:slim was designed based on over 6,000 interviews of people with diabetes, attempting to close the gaps that prevented people from using an insulin pump. Things like making it look modern like a smartphone, easy to use and easy to learn.

Kerri Bandelin, International Clinical Manager at Tandem then took us through a workshop with the pump.

The tslim has the option of integration with a Dexcom CGM, and the battery is rechargeable. The charge will last for 5 days if you’re using it with CGM integration, or 7 days if you’re using it standalone. The rechargeable battery is also covered under warranty in the off chance that it does get damaged. Those non diabetic lines sure are something to envy!

Users are normally encouraged to recharge their pumps while they’re in use. Suggestions were while on the couch, in front of a computer or while in the shower. We were also told that there is no such thing as over charging this pump, something I’m always mindful of when leaving my iPhone plugged in for too long. A full charge takes 1.5 hours on a dead battery, but I also got the impression that short charges of 15 minutes won’t do any damage to the pump’s battery.

We were told that the pump can be used with Animas infusion sets, but not insulin cartridges. Tandem consumables are on the ship as we speak, and I’m pleased to hear that there will be an option of angled sets. I was also pleased to hear that Australia will be receiving t:slim pumps with an updated algorithm that won’t trigger unnecessary occlusion alarms.

Insulin goes into a black hole, which is a bit concerning for detecting air bubbles. The minimum fill is 95 units, with the cartridge having a capacity of 300 units. We were told that there is also a thermometer inside the cartridge which can alert to risks of spoiled insulin. Carb ratios could be adjusted in increments of 0.1 when going past the 1:10g mark. There are also 6 different basal profiles with 16 different time segments.

The most promising feature for me is the ability to receive upgrades to this pump in the same fashion as upgrading your iPhone’s software. Basal IQ with Dexcom G6 is expected to launch this Australian summer, but is not yet approved. The system predicts glucose levels 30 minutes ahead and suspends insulin if levels are expected to drop below 4.4mmol.

We were told that this upgrade would be free, however I wasn’t impressed to hear that I would have to go through a healthcare professional every time there is an upgrade. I know there are regulations. But considering I already know how to use an insulin pump and spend relentless hours managing my diabetes on my own, it definitely feels like an insult to my lived experience.

Also in the pipeline is Control IQ. This upgrade would automatically adjust basal insulin levels in response to CGM readings, as well as deliver automated correction boluses. I would stress that this is only in its infancy, with a current 6 month study happening in Germany. Tandem would also not confirm whether this update would be free or not. I also got the impression (not an official comment) that the blood glucose target on this system would be better than the 6.6mmol target on the Medtronic 670G.

We were told that the pump would fit inside the coin pocket of a pair of jeans. What I didn’t like was the bulky case with a clip that added significant bulk to the pump. It was heavier than the YpsoPump at 113g, and here’s how it stacks up against the late Animas Vibe that I was wearing. We were told it is the size of a credit card.

It felt refreshing being able to type in numbers, rather than scrolling through until reaching your desired number. Nice and modern and sleek to use, just like the YpsoPump.

While I don’t think CGM will be in my budget anytime soon, I do feel hopeful that we are getting close to finally closing the loop.

Finally, we have a hashtag happening. A completely selfish one.

It’s #TslimForFrank.

Please jump onto social media and use it generously.

I have been dreaming of this little pump hitting our shores since forever, and I would love nothing more than to provide you with a user experience.

Disclosures: AMSL Diabetes hosted me at a dinner on Wednesday evening with a group of other Aussie diabetes bloggers. I was already in Adelaide for the Diabetes Congress as a guest of Diabetes Australia. I was fed and watered across the duration of the evening, and received a small bag containing a powerbank, information packets and an AMSL penguin. There was no expectation that I would blog about the t:slim. My opinions and my time, including the annual leave I had taken from work to be there, are my own. 

FreeStyle LibreLink: First Impressions!

8 Comments

I must admit that I couldn’t get too excited at the news of FreeStyle LibreLink hitting our shoes Down Under. However I was really blown away by the response to my vlog last week, which suggests that perhaps I am in the minority on this new smartphone app.

FreeStyle LibreLink is a smartphone app that can either complement or replace the fundamental role of a FreeStyle Libre reader. So if you are thinking about trialling or getting started with a FreeStyle Libre system, you will no longer need to invest in a $95 reader. I also thought that LibreLink may be advantageous to parents or loved ones, who could have their own access to the data provided they scan the sensor with their respective devices (devices don’t share data).

Abbott told us that while LibreLink was originally due in August, they have fast tracked the launch as a show of their commitment to get their technology into the hands of as many people as possible.

The FreeStyle Libre system utilises Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in order to scan the sensor and obtain a blood glucose reading. In order to use the FreeStyle LibreLink app, your phone must have these same NFC capabilities as the FreeStyle Libre system, and this is the reason for limitations on compatible phone models.

So, blame Apple. Or Samsung. Or whoever else you feel like blaming.

Apple users will need an iPhone 7 or higher, running on iOS 11 or higher. Android users will need a phone with NFC, running on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher.

If you wish to use your reader in conjunction with the LibreLink app, you must activate a new FreeStyle Libre sensor with your reader, followed by the LibreLink app during the 60 minute warmup period. If you do not activate with both devices during the warmup period, then you will only be able to read data with the one device you activated with.

Why can LibreLink only be used with a new sensor, and not an existing one? I am told this is purely for security reasons, otherwise I could theoretically approach anyone wearing a sensor and scan it.

My loaner iPhone seemed to scan my FreeStyle Libre sensor just as well as my reader did. A reading is best taken by pointing the top end of your iPhone, where your ear rests, over the sensor.

One noteworthy feature is the text to voice, which will voice your blood glucose level and trend following a scan. This may prove useful when you’re in bed and don’t want to open your eyes, or if you’re wanting to interrupt someone else’s presentation and show off your reading of 6.6 and steady to the rest of the group (sorry, Kim!).

I also think that the app will be really valuable for accessing blood glucose reports without the need to upload to a computer. I must admit I can’t remember the last time I uploaded my pump or my meters to the computer. In the whole scope of managing diabetes, little tasks like these often slip and features like this really do make a big difference.

LibreLink does not have the capability to transmit blood glucose data to another device. Nor can data be shared between a phone and a reader. You know how you can click on that little forward button when browsing your iPhone to share a link or a photo? That’s basically how you can share things like screenshots or reports from inside the LibreLink app with others.

Everything else that you’re used to seeing in the reader is there, with a bit of an expanded view.

      

Also on the horizon is Libreview, a cloud based software designed as a companion to LibreLink that provides a way to share data with healthcare professionals.

I don’t have any plans to upgrade my old iPhone 6 anytime soon to use the LibreLink at home. I’m also not sure that I view carrying my Libre reader around as a hassle. Having my iPhone on me all the time can be equally distracting. Another reservation I have is the increased demand placed on my iPhone’s resources from the introduction of two new mobile apps in the space of a week (YpsoPump app and LibreLink).

That being said, I have definitely underestimated LibreLink. It’s fantastic that FreeStyle Libre users will have more ways to access and engage with their blood glucose data. More choice for people with diabetes is always a good thing.

The FreeStyle LibreLink app launches in Australia tomorrow, and is available as a free download from your Apple or Google Play store on a compatible device.

Disclosures: Abbott Diabetes Care covered my travel and accommodation costs to attend DX2Sydney. I was fed and watered across the duration of the event. I was also provided with a FreeStyle Libre sensor and a loaner phone if I wished to trial the FreeStyle LibreLink app during the event. There was no expectation that I would blog about anything covered at the event. My opinions and my time, including the annual leave I took from work to be there, are my own.

FreeStyle LibreLink App Launches in Australia!

10 Comments

I’m in Sydney over the next two days attending Abbott’s third annual DX event, which brings together a group of Aussie diabetes bloggers.

Abbott are launching the FreeStyle LibreLink app in Australia on June 5, and this can either complement or replace the fundamental role of a FreeStyle Libre reader. Abbott are letting me road test the LibreLink app for 24 hours, so hit the play button below to see how it all works.

I’ll be sharing further insights on LibreLink and the Ypsopump on Instagram, so send me a follow request if you’re not following me already!

Disclosure: Abbott have covered my travel and accommodation costs to be here. There was no expectation that I would try or blog about the LibreLink. As always, my time (including the annual leave I had to take to be here) and my opinions are my own.