About CGM
What is the difference between CGM and BGM?
Both BGM and CGM provide information about glucose levels.
The key differences between them are:
Measuring frequency. The frequency of obtaining glucose values differs when using BGM versus CGM. With BGM, a person with diabetes might test their blood sugar levels several times a day, typically before meals and bedtime, depending on their type of diabetes and medication. With CGM, the glucose levels are measured continuously. The glucose values measured by the sensor in the skin are transmitted every 5 minutes, and they are combined to create a glucose curve. This provides a complete picture of glucose levels for the duration that the patient is wearing the sensor
Measuring glucose levels in blood versus interstitial fluid. BGM and CGM also differ in terms of how glucose values are measured. BGM measures glucose in capillary blood drawn from the fingertips (or sometimes from other places, like the palm of the hand). The sensor of the CGM solution, by contrast, is placed in the skin, specifically in the fat layer below the skin (subcutaneous fat tissue). There, the glucose level is measured in the fluid between the cells (interstitial fluid)
The difference in the measuring site (blood versus subcutaneous fat tissue) is one of the reasons that BGM and CGM values do not match at any time point. BGM reacts more rapidly to changes in glucose concentrations than CGM as changes to glucose levels in the interstitial fluid take more time to manifest.
About the Accu-Chek® SmartGuide device
How does the sensor work?
The CGM sensor measures glucose values in the subcutaneous tissue. Each sensor has a wear time of up to 14 days and requires initial calibration using a blood sugar meter.
Every 5 minutes, the sensor sends CGM values to mySugr Glucose Insights via Bluetooth® Low Energy. mySugr Glucose Insights displays the glucose values and related statistical information relevant to diabetes management, along with enabling glucose predictions and glucose patterns detection.
Can I take a shower or a bath or go swimming with the sensor on my arm?
Yes, the sensor is protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water at a depth of 1 m (3.28 feet) for up to 60 minutes (it has a IP28W rating).
However, the adhesive can come off more easily in water, so using additional waterproof tape is recommended when going swimming.
Can the sensor be worn during an X-ray, CT scan, or an MRI?
No, the sensor must be removed before entering medical treatment areas with high-powered medical electric equipment, for example MRI, CT, X-ray, radiotherapy, or diathermy.
How should the sensor be stored?
The sensor should be stored at temperatures between 2 and 27 °C, i.e. either in a shady place or in the refrigerator
Up to what altitude does the sensor operate without errors?
If you are planning to spend time at high altitude, you should keep in mind that the sensor is only guaranteed to work up to an altitude of 3000 m (9842 ft). You should also clarify the allowable altitude for your blood sugar meter you are taking with you.
In which temperature range does the sensor operate?
The operating conditions of the sensor are as follows:
Temperature range. 10–40 °C (the time to warm up the sensor from 2–10 °C is less than 17 minutes)
Humidity range. 15–90 % (non-condensing, water vapor partial pressure less than 50 hPa)
Are there any health factors that can affect the sensor readings, for example, dehydration, fever, and allergic reactions (at the site or systemically), as well as dietary changes, such as extreme keto diets?
Health-related factors, such as those mentioned, can lead to uncertainty regarding diabetes management in general. This might not necessarily be caused by using a specific CGM solution. In cases of doubt, it is generally recommended to perform glucose measurements additionally.
What is the size of the sensor?
The sensor has a diameter of 33.3 mm without the adhesive.The part of the sensor that sits below the skin is approximately 6 mm.
On which parts of the body should the sensor be applied?
The sensor should be applied only to the back of the upper arm. Please see the package insert for a picture of the correct application site.
Can the sensor be inserted on a skin tattoo?
We strongly recommend choosing an area of skin without tattoos for sensor insertion. There is no available experience or data regarding the use of the Accu-Chek® SmartGuide device on tattooed skin, so we cannot confirm its performance or safety in such areas.
What is the sensor warm-up time, and how long does this period last?
When the sensor initially enters the body, it warms up and fills with interstitial fluid. It cannot transmit any reliable glucose data until this phase is complete. This period is known as the warm-up time and will last for 60 minutes, after which the sensor will provide a CGM value every 5 minutes.
Will the Accu-Chek® SmartGuide device be available for children?
At this time, the Accu-Chek® SmartGuide device will not have a pediatric claim, and it will only be available for people with diabetes aged 18 years and older.
Can the sensor be paired a second time, for example, if the user loses their phone?
If you lose or break your phone and switch to a new phone, you must download the mySugr app on your new phone and log in with your existing account. Settings (e.g., target ranges, units, etc.) and up to 6 months of data will be restored from your existing account to the new phone. Then, you can either pair a new sensor or re-pair the current sensor that still has time left on it.
How do I apply the sensor?
For information and instructions on applying the sensor, see the User’s Manual provided with the device.
How do I remove the sensor?
For information and instructions on removing the sensor, see the User’s Manual provided with the device.
Can I use the sensor when traveling?
Yes, the sensor can be used while traveling. You must remember to pack a charging cable and / or power bank to ensure your smartphone always has power, especially during a long trip. You should also bring your blood sugar meter for calibration and as a backup.
If airplane mode is enabled on your mobile device, Bluetooth® may automatically turn off. This can prevent mySugr Glucose Insights from communicating with your sensor. In this case, to re-establish the communication despite the active flight mode, you should turn Bluetooth® back on. For more information on how to do so, see the User’s Manual of your mobile device.
Please consider that both iOS and Android devices remember the Bluetooth® state when airplane mode was enabled for the last time, and they will revert to that state the next time airplane mode is turned on. You can usually confirm if airplane mode is active by checking your mobile device's status bar.
I am on dialysis, can I use the Accu-Chek® SmartGuide device?
No, the device should not be used by people on dialysis.
About mySugr Glucose Insights
Who can use mySugr Glucose Insights?
mySugr Glucose Insights is designed for users:
Adults 18 years of age and older, diagnosed with diabetes.
Under guidance of a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Who are physically and mentally able to independently manage diabetes therapy.
Who are able to proficiently use a compatible mobile device.
Who can read information displayed on a compatible mobile device.
What is the storage space?
The mySugr app saves CGM session and mySugr Logbook data as long as there is enough storage space on the mobile device. Data stored by the mySugr app on your mobile device is encrypted.
Which information is shared?
mySugr Glucose Insights exchanges the following data with the Accu-Chek® Care platform:
- CGM data.
- mySugr Logbook data.
- Error messages.
- Maintenance messages.
- Warnings.
- User settings (for example, target ranges).
mySugr Glucose Insights restores the last 6 months of data from your account when you sign in.
Don’t use restored data to make therapy decisions, such as insulin dosing. Only use current data from a connected sensor to make therapy decisions, such as insulin dosing.
Why is mySugr Glucose Insights not displaying my CGM values?
This could be due to the following reasons:
- Bluetooth® may be turned off: Make sure that Bluetooth® is turned on on your mobile device.
- The sensor may be out of reach: Make sure that the distance between the sensor and your mobile device doesn’t exceed 10 meters (33 feet) (line of sight).
- The sensor may still be warming up: Wait until the warm-up time is over.
- The sensor may be too hot: Move to a cooler environment or shade the sensor.
- The sensor may be too cold: Move to a warmer environment.
- You may be signed out of your account: Sign back in to your account. Note that on Android devices you will need the serial number and 6-digit PIN to reconnect the same sensor. For more information, see chapter Connecting your sensor.
- It may be time to replace your sensor: Tap Connections in the tab bar menu and check the current status of your sensor.
- There may be an alarm or a notification that you need to react to: Check the message area on the Home screen. For example, if the battery of your sensor is dead, you will find a corresponding notification in the message area.
- If power saving is turned on, some background processes are disabled to save battery life on your mobile device. Power saving also affects the communication with your sensor. If power saving is turned on, this is usually indicated in the status bar.
To make sure that mySugr Glucose Insights is able to communicate with your sensor, turn off power saving. For more information on how to do so, see the User’s Manual of your mobile device.
mySugr Glucose Insights receives your current CGM value every 5 minutes. If mySugr Glucose Insights doesn’t display CGM values for more than 20 minutes without issuing a notification or alarm on the Home screen, check your device’s detail screen. Otherwise, contact customer support and remove the sensor if instructed.
Why is mySugr Glucose Insights not displaying predictions?
This could be due to the following reasons:
- There may not be enough data: Check that your sensor and mySugr Glucose Insights are working properly. A minimum of 1 hour of continuous data is required so mySugr Glucose Insights can provide you with your initial glucose prediction for the next 2 hours.
- If you are above 400 mg/dL (22.2 mmol/L) or below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L).
- You may not have an internet connection: Make sure your mobile device is connected to a secure Wi-Fi® or mobile network.
- Technical error.
How do logged insulin and carbs affect the prediction?
When one logs insulin or carbs, the prediction takes it into account. It takes 20 minutes to update, during that time, the prediction displayed is limited to a 20 min window. It resumes being fully displayed 20min after the logged data.
The displayed CGM values don’t match how I feel. What should I do?
Don’t ignore symptoms of low or high glucose, and don’t change your therapy without talking to your healthcare professional. If your CGM value doesn’t match how you feel, proceed as follows:
Test your blood sugar by performing a finger prick test with a blood sugar meter.
Perform a second finger prick test with your blood sugar meter to rule out an incorrect test result.
If test results from your blood sugar meter repeatedly don’t match how you feel, consult your healthcare professional.
Any compatible device with mySugr Glucose Insights should be compatible with the Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor?
The app and the sensor are connected via the Bluetooth® Low Energy technology. The smartphone must support Bluetooth® Low Energy 5.0 or higher to be able to work with the sensor.
Is mySugr Glucose Insights compatible with the latest OS version?
Yes. mySugr Glucose Insights is compatible with iOS version 17.2 and higher and for Android version 11.0 and higher. Lower OS versions of a smartphone are not compatible with mySugr Glucose Insights. Don’t use the mySugr app on a device that has been jailbroken, rooted, or that is in debug or developer mode. These conditions can reduce your device’s security, making it more vulnerable to unauthorized access and security threats.
Can I use my smartwatch with mySugr Glucose Insights?
If you use an iPhone, you can use mySugr Glucose Insights in combination with an Apple Watch. The watchOS version must be watchOS 9 or higher. Other smartwatches are not compatible with mySugr Glucose Insights.
Once the Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone, you can view the following information on your Apple Watch:
- Latest CGM value.
- Trend arrow.
- Trend graph.
Keep your notifications turned on in the mySugr app and turn on notification forwarding from the mySugr app to your Apple Watch to receive error, maintenance, and warning messages as well as reminders directly on your Apple Watch.
Will mySugr be compatible with other product CGM sensors in the future?
We are always working on further developing the mySugr app. However, we don’t comment on timelines for development activities.