Today, leading makers of continuous glucose monitoring system DexCom Seven unveiled a new app for the iPhone and iPad, which is a cool move on their part, because everybody wants a piece of the Apple pie, right? But a warning to DexCom users not to get too excited, since the app doesn’t actually do anything for data management purposes, not even in terms of letting you look at your own BG numbers.
What the app allows you to do, in the company’s own two sentences, is: “Easily view training videos, read educational materials, and flip through a sensor step-by-step insertion walk-through. Read the FAQs, email Tech Support or call with a click of a button.“ See the dedicated info page on their website at www.dexcom.com/apps.
Err, sounds about as useful as that Medtronic app launched not long ago called MyMedtronicConnect. With that one, you can “re-order supplies and accessories, access helpful tips and explanations, set reminders, and prepare for travel.” Like we said, it doesn’t really do anything for your diabetes management, but hey, it’s nicer to re-order supplies with a click of your iPhone than the old fashioned way, right?
Now DexCom’s got its info at the click of an iPhone or iPad. And of course, it looks cool. Very, very cool — especially on the iPad:
Here are some screenshots of the new Dexcom app on the iPhone:
The company’s not allowed to comment on anything pre-FDA, but we have to assume this is the Apple interface they’ve created as the basis for a more full-fledged CGM data app down the line.
What I do like about the current app is the idea that it further untethers us from our PCs. So if you do need a refresher on insertion techniques, or an answer to a quick question, you can access it on the go from your iPhone — even if you happen to be in some autobahn gas station restroom about the size of a coffin (yeah, I’ve been there).
So… what say you, DexCom + Apple users? How much would you interact with a training & info app like this?
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Since I just got started on a DexCom 7 (I did my second sensor insertion this morning) having this information on something that’s part of my Every Day Carry (http://everyday-carry.com/) is quite nice. And I’m looking forward to viewing a graph on my nice iPhone Retina display, as opposed to the one on the DexCom receiver
I’ll check this out. Like the step-by-step feature that I see.
would be useful if it displayed CGM data. otherwise how is this any different from browsing the webiste? if it is a step towards getting a usable interface for CGM data then I guess that is a good thing.
Are they kidding? Why don’t they try to make something usefull for a change. Why spend money on something like this? You can use the web through your iPhone anyway if it is urgent to refresh your memory as to how to insert your sensor. If it is a step towards something usefull I would appreciate if they just kept quiet until they have someting real to offer. It really makes me mad that they do meaningless changes or moves and we are supposed to jump up and down with joy. I am sorry I am tired and I am looking for something that would make a real difference in our lives.
Why doesn’t Dexcom help current customers like extend the warranty on the Dexcom 7? I have a Dexcom 7 Plus and believe me I wish I had gone with one of the other CGM’s. The Dexcom 7 isn’t sealed so dust, dog hair, etc gets under the face of it. The light quit working so I called for replacement. I was told by CS rep. to trash it and buy a new one because it was 2 mos out of warranty period(1yr) and Dexcom doesn’t work on them. CS rep said “your ins. will pay for a new one won’t they?”. Nope, why would ins. pay for a replacement when original only worked properly for 14mos. Then I was given cash price of $500. Why would I pay $500 now, next yr pay for another one, next yr… so on.
Get this, the website at time of purchase said the download would work with MAC computers. I had trouble with it so I contacted an Apple software engineer to work on it for me. It was false advertisement, Apple engineer contacted Dexcom tech support manager and was told after some discussion it wouldn’t work alone on a MAC computer. Stay away from Dexcom.
Yes this CGM is upsetting to me and to think they work on something so simple as an IPhone app. Use your IPhone for apps that actually are beneficial and buy a different brand CGM.
I’d just like my bs readings to go directly to my iphone. It’s always on me…this big receiver is one more damn thing to find a place to put! Add it to my pump, phone & bs meter and I need to start wearing cargo pants! Please, dexcom, simplify and integrate the seven with the iphone!
ive had type 1 diabetes since 1989 i have also been on minimed pump eqal amount /time no serious complications 3 months ago started dexcom 7 plus i cant say enough good about it it is very simple to use a child could use it my a1c is now in the 5s any and all types of diabetics should be on dexcom it is the i think best thing except a cure to come along with dexcom /insulin pump you really can take complete cotrol of your diabetes my sincere thanks to minimed and dexcom ps ive also used minimeds cgm but dexcom is more accurate and less painful and last much longer
I saw a video demonstration of a doctor who had the i phone working as the cgm reciever for the dexcom4. I was very sad to see this isn’t out yet- how great would it be to not have to lug that receiver along…..I would get a new dexcom in a nanosecond if this was available.