CGM Data Sharing: Keeping Family in the Loop

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CGM Data Sharing: Keeping Family in the Loop

This article provides general information about CGM data sharing and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific needs, especially when considering cgm data sharing within your family.

Keeping your family informed about your blood sugar levels doesn’t have to be complicated. With CGM data sharing, your loved ones can check on your diabetes management from anywhere, providing peace of mind for everyone. Let’s explore how to set this up in simple, manageable steps.

Why Share Your CGM Data with Family?

Having a support system is crucial when managing diabetes. CGM data sharing allows your family members to:

  • See your blood sugar readings in real-time
  • Receive alerts if your levels go too high or low
  • Help you make informed decisions about your care
  • Feel more confident about your safety, especially if you live alone

💡 Pro Tip: Many seniors find that sharing CGM data with family reduces anxiety about diabetes management and helps them feel more connected to loved ones.

Getting Started with CGM Data Sharing

Before we begin, you’ll need:

  • A compatible smartphone or tablet
  • Your CGM app installed and working
  • Internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data)
  • Family members’ email addresses

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

For Dexcom Users:

  1. Open your Dexcom G6 or G7 app
  2. Tap the Menu icon (three lines)
  3. Select ‘Share’ or ‘Share Settings’
  4. Toggle the sharing switch to ‘On’
  5. Tap ‘Add Follower’
  6. Enter your family member’s email address

What You’ll See: A blue screen with a toggle switch and spaces to enter email addresses. The app will send an invitation to your family member.

For FreeStyle Libre Users:

  1. Open the LibreLink app
  2. Tap the three dots menu
  3. Select ‘Connected Apps’
  4. Choose ‘LibreLinkUp’
  5. Follow the prompts to invite family

What You’ll See: A white screen with connection options. Look for the LibreLinkUp icon (usually shows two people).

Help Your Family Get Connected

Your family members will need to:

  1. Download the appropriate following app (Dexcom Follow or LibreLinkUp)
  2. Accept the email invitation
  3. Create their account
  4. Set up their alert preferences

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ask a Grandchild: Many seniors find it helpful to have a younger family member sit with them during setup. Schedule a video call or in-person visit for extra support.

Understanding Privacy and Control

Remember, you’re in charge of your data. You can:

  • Choose who sees your readings
  • Remove followers at any time
  • Temporarily pause sharing
  • Set quiet hours for alerts

Managing Your Sharing Settings

Adding Followers:

  • Most apps allow up to 10 followers
  • Each follower needs their own email
  • Send invitations one at a time
  • Wait for acceptance before adding more

Setting Boundaries:

  • Choose sharing hours (like 8 AM to 10 PM)
  • Select which alerts followers receive
  • Decide if they see trends or just current readings
  • Control how much history they can view

Removing Access:

  • Go to Share settings
  • Find the follower’s name
  • Tap ‘Remove’ or trash icon
  • Confirm your choice

Medicare Coverage Note: CGM devices and supplies are covered under Medicare Part B for qualifying beneficiaries. Data sharing features are included at no extra cost.

Making Sharing Work for Your Family

Different Alerts for Different People

For Your Spouse:

  • All alerts enabled
  • 24/7 access
  • Immediate notifications
  • Full trend visibility

For Adult Children:

  • Urgent low alerts only
  • Respect quiet hours
  • Daily summary option
  • Weekend check-ins

For Caregivers:

  • Customized to care schedule
  • Focus on meal times
  • Medication reminders
  • Pattern reports

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your family isn’t receiving data:

  1. Check your internet connection
    • Look for Wi-Fi symbol
    • Try toggling airplane mode
    • Restart your device
  2. Verify the app is running in the background
    • Don’t swipe the app closed
    • Check battery settings
    • Allow background refresh
  3. Ensure notifications are enabled
    • Go to phone Settings
    • Find your CGM app
    • Turn on all notifications
  4. Confirm followers accepted the invitation
    • Check their email (including spam)
    • Resend if needed
    • Verify email spelling

Common Problems and Solutions

“No Data Available” Message:

  • Make sure sensor is active
  • Check Bluetooth is on
  • Stay within range (20 feet)
  • Open app to refresh

Delayed Readings:

  • Check internet speed
  • Close other apps
  • Update to latest version
  • Contact support if continues

Missing Alerts:

  • Review alert settings
  • Check phone volume
  • Verify Do Not Disturb is off
  • Test with a practice alert

Advanced Sharing Features

Creating Reports to Share

Most CGM apps let you:

  • Generate weekly summaries
  • Create PDF reports
  • Email to family or doctors
  • Show patterns and trends

To Create a Report:

  1. Open your CGM app
  2. Find ‘Reports’ or ‘Share’
  3. Select date range
  4. Choose report type
  5. Tap ‘Share’ or ‘Email’

Using Multiple Devices

You can view your CGM on:

  • Your smartphone
  • A tablet at home
  • Family member’s devices
  • Some smartwatches

Note: Only one device can be the primary receiver. Others view shared data.

Real-Life Success Stories

How Families Use CGM Sharing

Martha, 72, from Florida: “My daughter in New York checks my numbers every morning. We have a video call if anything looks unusual. It’s like she’s right here with me.”

Robert, 68, from Texas: “My wife gets alerts when I’m low during golf. She’ll text me to eat something. It’s saved me from several bad situations.”

Helen, 75, from Ohio: “All three of my kids can see my readings. They take turns being ‘on duty’ for nighttime alerts. I sleep better knowing someone’s watching.”

Tips for Successful Family Monitoring

Daily Routines

Morning:

  • Family checks overnight patterns
  • Quick text or call if needed
  • Confirm day’s plans
  • Adjust alerts if necessary

Afternoon:

  • Monitor for post-meal spikes
  • Check before driving
  • Share activity plans
  • Stay hydrated reminder

Evening:

  • Review day’s patterns
  • Celebrate good numbers
  • Plan tomorrow’s meals
  • Set overnight alerts

Weekly Family Meetings

Consider scheduling:

  • Video calls to review trends
  • Discussions about what’s working
  • Updates on health changes
  • Celebration of improvements

Setting Realistic Expectations

For You:

  • Sharing doesn’t mean giving up independence
  • You control what others see
  • It’s okay to need practice
  • Ask for help when needed

For Family:

  • They’re there to support, not judge
  • Numbers fluctuate normally
  • Not every alert needs action
  • Respect your autonomy

Emergency Protocols

Create Clear Guidelines:

When to Text:

  • Readings slightly out of range
  • Gentle reminders
  • Daily check-ins
  • Positive reinforcement

When to Call:

  • Multiple low alerts
  • No response to texts
  • Urgent low (under 55)
  • Unusual patterns

When to Visit/Call 911:

  • No response to calls
  • Severe low alerts
  • Signs of emergency
  • Your predetermined signals

Technology Tips for Seniors

Making It Easier:

Simplify Your Phone:

  • Put CGM app on home screen
  • Increase text size
  • Use voice commands
  • Keep phone charged

Practice Makes Perfect:

  • Review steps weekly
  • Write down instructions
  • Take screenshots
  • Keep support numbers handy

Getting Help:

Free Resources:

  • CGM manufacturer support
  • Senior center tech classes
  • Library assistance
  • Family tech time

Maintaining Your Privacy

What You Can Control:

  • Who sees your data
  • When they see it
  • How much history
  • Which alerts they get

What’s Always Private:

  • Your medical records
  • Doctor communications
  • Personal notes
  • Other health apps

Common Concerns Addressed

“I don’t want to worry my family”

Sharing data often reduces worry by:

  • Showing you’re managing well
  • Preventing emergency situations
  • Allowing gentle support
  • Building confidence

“Technology is too complicated”

Remember:

  • Take it one step at a time
  • Ask for help
  • Use simple features first
  • Build skills gradually

“What about my independence?”

CGM sharing actually supports independence by:

  • Allowing you to live alone safely
  • Reducing need for check-in calls
  • Preventing emergencies
  • Maintaining your routine

Next Steps to Get Started

  1. Choose your first follower – Start with one trusted person
  2. Pick a quiet time – Set up when relaxed
  3. Have them visit – In-person setup is easier
  4. Practice together – Try it for a week
  5. Add others slowly – Build confidence first

Making the Most of Your CGM Investment

Medicare covers CGM supplies because they improve health outcomes. Data sharing maximizes these benefits by:

  • Preventing emergencies
  • Reducing hospitalizations
  • Improving management
  • Supporting independence

The Bottom Line

CGM data sharing transforms diabetes management from a solo journey to a team effort. With your family’s support and modern technology, you can maintain your independence while ensuring everyone’s peace of mind.

Start small, be patient with yourself, and remember that every senior using CGM sharing started exactly where you are now.

References

Need help? Call our support team at 727-831-3729. We’re here to help you stay connected with your loved ones.

Remember: CGM data sharing is a powerful tool for family support, but it shouldn’t replace regular communication with your healthcare team.

Last updated: January 2025

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