Pattern Recognition with CGM: Senior’s Guide to Downloading Your Data

This guide provides general information about CGM data downloads. Always consult your healthcare provider or device manufacturer for specific instructions for your device. For immediate technical support, call 727-831-3729.

Downloading your CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) data helps you and your doctor make better decisions about your diabetes care. This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to get your CGM data from your device to your computer, even if you’re not comfortable with technology.

What You’ll Need for CGM Data Download

• Your CGM receiver or smartphone
• A computer with internet access
• USB cable (if using a receiver)
• Your device login information

📱 Using a smartphone? Ask a family member to help you download the appropriate app first. It’s much easier to manage your CGM data through your phone!

Step-by-Step CGM Data Download Instructions

For Smartphone Users:

1. Open your CGM app (Dexcom, FreeStyle Libre, or Medtronic)
2. Look for ‘Reports’ or ‘Data’ (usually at the bottom of the screen)
3. Select the date range you want to review
4. Tap ‘Share’ or ‘Export’ (often shown as an arrow icon)
5. Choose ‘Email’ to send to yourself or your doctor

Having trouble seeing the screen? Most smartphones have accessibility features that can make text larger. Ask your grandchild or call us at 727-831-3729 for help setting this up.

For Receiver Users:

1. Connect your receiver to your computer using the USB cable
2. Visit your device manufacturer’s website:
   • Dexcom: clarity.dexcom.com
   • FreeStyle Libre: libreview.com
   • Medtronic: carelink.minimed.com
3. Create an account or sign in
4. Follow the upload instructions on screen

Detailed Instructions by Device

Dexcom CGM Data Download

Using Dexcom Clarity (Recommended):

1. Go to clarity.dexcom.com

   • Works on any computer
   • No software to install
   • Free to use

2. Create Your Account:

   • Click “Create Account”
   • Use email you check regularly
   • Write down password
   • Keep login info safe

3. Connect Your Device:

   • Plug receiver into computer
   • Wait for “Connected” message
   • Click “Upload Data”
   • Process takes 2-5 minutes

4. View Your Reports:

   • Overview shows patterns
   • AGP report for doctors
   • Daily trends visible
   • Print or email options

Using Smartphone:

• Open Dexcom G6/G7 app
• Tap “Share” icon
• Select “Reports”
• Choose time period
• Email to doctor

FreeStyle Libre Data Download

Using LibreView Website:

1. Visit libreview.com

   • Compatible with most browsers
   • Works worldwide
   • Supports all Libre devices

2. First-Time Setup:

   • Register with email
   • Select country
   • Choose “Patient” account
   • Verify email address

3. Upload Process:

   • Connect reader with cable
   • Click “Upload Device”
   • Follow prompts
   • See instant results

4. Sharing Options:

   • Invite healthcare provider
   • Generate PDF reports
   • Email summaries
   • Print for appointments

Using LibreLink App:

• Reports auto-sync
• No cables needed
• View anytime
• Share instantly

Medtronic Guardian Data Download

Using CareLink Personal:

1. Go to carelink.minimed.com

   • Requires account
   • Free service
   • Secure platform

2. Download CareLink Uploader:

   • One-time installation
   • Follow setup wizard
   • Allow permissions
   • Restart if needed

3. Upload Your Data:

   • Connect Guardian device
   • Open uploader program
   • Click “Upload”
   • Wait for completion

4. Access Reports:

   • Assessment & Progress
   • Sensor & Meter Overview
   • Daily Detail
   • Therapy Management

Understanding Your Downloaded Reports

Key Sections to Review:

Time in Range (TIR):

• Shows percentage in target
• Goal: 70% or higher
• Green = good
• Red = needs attention

Average Glucose:

• Your typical levels
• Compare month-to-month
• Look for improvements
• Share with doctor

Patterns:

• Overnight trends
• Post-meal spikes
• Exercise effects
• Weekend vs weekday

Variability:

• How much levels change
• Lower is better
• Shows stability
• Affects how you feel

Making Reports Doctor-Friendly

Before Your Appointment:

1. Download 2-4 weeks of data

2. Print key reports:

   • AGP (Ambulatory Glucose Profile)
   • Time in Range summary
   • Daily overlay
   • Pattern insights

3. Highlight Concerns:

   • Use marker on printouts
   • Circle problem times
   • Note questions
   • Bring medication list

Reports Your Doctor Wants:

AGP Report:

• Industry standard
• Shows patterns clearly
• Easy to interpret
• Medicare accepted

Daily Overlay:

• All days combined
• Shows typical day
• Identifies patterns
• Guides treatment

Troubleshooting Common Download Issues

“Can’t Connect Device”

Try These Steps:

1. Check cable connection
2. Try different USB port
3. Restart computer
4. Update browser
5. Clear cache/cookies

Still Not Working?

• Call manufacturer support
• Try different computer
• Ask family for help
• Visit library for assistance

“Forgot Password”

Recovery Options:

• Click “Forgot Password”
• Check email for reset
• Answer security questions
• Create new account if needed

Password Tips:

• Write it down
• Use familiar phrase
• Store securely
• Update regularly

“Reports Look Confusing”

Simplify Your View:

• Start with summary page
• Focus on Time in Range
• Look at one week first
• Build understanding slowly

Get Help Understanding:

• Ask diabetes educator
• Call manufacturer
• Join support group
• Watch tutorial videos

Privacy and Security

Protecting Your Data:

Account Safety:

• Use strong password
• Don’t share login
• Log out when done
• Update regularly

Sharing Safely:

• Only with healthcare team
• Use secure methods
• Verify recipient
• Keep copies

Understanding Permissions:

What You Control:

• Who sees data
• How long shared
• Report types
• Delete options

Your Rights:

• Request data deletion
• Revoke access
• Download everything
• Switch platforms

Setting Up Automatic Uploads

Benefits of Auto-Upload:

• No manual work needed
• Never miss data
• Real-time sharing
• Better for memory

How to Enable:

Smartphone Apps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Find “Auto Upload”
3. Toggle ON
4. Connect to WiFi
5. Leave app running

Home Internet Setup:

• Some devices support
• Connects overnight
• No interaction needed
• Check compatibility

Using Downloaded Data

Weekly Review:

What to Look For:

• Best and worst days
• Meal patterns
• Exercise effects
• Sleep impacts

Action Items:

• Adjust meal timing
• Change snack choices
• Modify exercise
• Update medications

Monthly Analysis:

Track Progress:

• Compare to last month
• Note improvements
• Identify challenges
• Celebrate successes

Share Updates:

• Email to doctor
• Discuss with family
• Update care plan
• Set new goals

Medicare Coverage for Data Management

What’s Covered:

Training Sessions:

• How to download
• Understanding reports
• Making adjustments
• Annual updates

Support Services:

• Diabetes education
• Technology training
• Report interpretation
• Care coordination

Medicare Part B covers diabetes self-management training, including CGM data review. Call Senior CGM Support at 727-831-3729 to learn more.

Getting Additional Help

Free Resources:

Manufacturer Support:

• Dexcom: 1-888-738-3646
• Abbott (Libre): 1-855-632-8658
• Medtronic: 1-800-646-4633

Community Resources:

• Senior centers
• Libraries
• Diabetes groups
• Online forums

Professional Help:

When to Seek Support:

• Consistent problems
• Need interpretation
• Want optimization
• Technology challenges

Tips from Other Seniors

Mary, 72: “I download my data every Sunday morning with coffee. It’s become a peaceful routine that helps me stay on track.”

Robert, 68: “My granddaughter helped me set up auto-upload. Now my doctor sees everything without me doing anything!”

Helen, 75: “I was scared of the technology, but the reports actually make sense. The colors help me understand quickly.”

Creating Your Download Routine

Pick Your Schedule:

Weekly Downloads:

• Sunday mornings
• Before groceries
• Part of routine
• Track progress

Before Appointments:

• 2 days prior
• Print reports
• Review patterns
• Prepare questions

Make It Easy:

Setup Station:

• Dedicated spot
• Cable ready
• Instructions posted
• Good lighting

Checklist: □ Device charged
□ Cable connected
□ Computer on
□ Website bookmarked
□ Password handy

Next Steps

1. Choose your download method (app or computer)
2. Set up your account today
3. Practice downloading once
4. Schedule regular reviews
5. Share with your doctor

The Bottom Line

Downloading your CGM data might seem daunting at first, but it’s a powerful tool for better diabetes management. Take it one step at a time, ask for help when needed, and remember that each download brings valuable insights about your health.

The effort you put into learning this skill will pay off with better control, fewer surprises, and more productive doctor visits.

Need Technical Support?
Call us at 727-831-3729. Our team is specially trained to help Medicare seniors with CGM technology. We’re patient, understanding, and here to help!

Remember: You don’t have to master everything at once. Start with basic downloads and build your skills over time.