My very first blood glucose meter was probably about the size of a brick, and in my mind it was as heavy as a brick too. This was back in the early 1980’s when meters required a huge blood sample (by today’s standards) and several minutes to give a reading, but it was so much better than the urine testing that had been my only option. Over the years I’ve watched meters grow smaller and faster and easier to use.  Read More >

Today, I’m happy to bring you another guest blog from Kristin Baker, a CGM Product Specialist here at Medtronic. Last time we heard from Kristin she talked about Optimizing Diabetes Management using 3 types of CGM alerts. This time Kristin talks about decreasing CGM alerts with the use of CareLink Personal software. Let’s hear what she has to say.  Read More >

It’s that time again…the three-month check-in/check-up at the doctor’s office. Time to get everything together: logbook, refills needed, questions or concerns jotted down. The part I used to dread was the most was the logbook part. Making sure I had the right cables for the right devices, uploading three devices (meter, pump and CGM) and praying my printer would work to print off the needed reports.  Read More >

Last month, Dr. Kauffman shared how when patients upload to CareLink it helps provide her with valuable information that helps make the most of their visit together. Today, we’re very excited to share the news that CareLink Personal is available for use with even more computer systems and software. The much anticipated support for MAC OS 10.7 (Lion) is now available with CareLink Personal 5.7! This version also supports Internet Explorer 9 and FireFox 5.0.  Read More >

As an Endocrinologist it’s important for me to have as much information as possible when I meet with a patient and their family. That’s why CareLink is so important to me in my practice. It gives me more detailed information than blood work or what my patients typically volunteer.  Read More >

Today we continue with Part 2 of Dr. Dewan’s post on using CareLink Personal Software in schools to better monitor students with diabetes throughout the day and improve communication between families, physicians and school nurses. Last time he talked about set-up and addressing roadblocks. In this entry, he talks about maximizing CareLink once it’s implemented.  Read More >

Today we’re thrilled to feature a guest post from Dr. Asheesh Dewan, a pediatric endocrinologist from Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Dewan has worked with several parents and school administrators and nurses in the Las Vegas area to implement CareLink Personal Software in more than 50 schools to better monitor students with diabetes throughout the day and improve communication between families, physicians and school nurses. Thank you Dr. Dewan for all you do for the diabetes community!  Read More >

Summer is here and it’s time for many of us to hit the road – or air. Before you set out to satisfy your wanderlust, check out our answers to the top five questions we receive about air travel with an insulin pump and/or continuous glucose monitor (CGM).  Read More >

Today, the American Diabetes Association and Medtronic together announced that we’re offering new research grants for diabetes technology. Essentially, we’re accepting applications from medical researchers to study the data from our CareLink® database to learn more about the impact of diabetes management tools on clinical outcomes, compliance and use of diabetes devices – as well as various factors that affect glycemic control in patients with diabetes.  Read More >

A couple weeks back, Naomi talked about her logbook struggles and how CareLink® Therapy Management Software really helps her take control of her health. She’s not alone — CareLink is a very popular part of our integrated system. Customers tell us they really like seeing the cause-and-effect relationships in all those colorful charts, graphs, and tables. And it’s really helpful to be able to share and discuss them with your endo.  Read More >

Today we’re happy to feature a post from Naomi Kingery. Like many Medtronic employees, Naomi has personal experience with diabetes. In fact, she had been a self-proclaimed “Proud Pink Pumper” for seven years before coming to work with us. You may also know her as the “Diabetic Diva,” offering her fresh, fun perspective to the diabetes community. Today, she’s talking to The Loop about the challenge of keeping track of her blood sugar numbers.  Read More >