Diabetes is an ongoing condition that requires consistent care and monitoring. One way to ensure you’re staying on top of your health is by regularly sharing data from your diabetes devices, like your continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump, with your provider.
By enrolling in your provider’s SweetSpot program, your care team can then use that data to monitor your progress each month, identify trends in your blood glucose levels, and intervene if necessary – all between your scheduled visits. Sharing your device data helps your care team stay connected to you, and provide timely support to keep you on track.
Here’s a closer look at the benefits of continuous data-sharing, common scenarios that can interrupt it, and practical solutions to keep the flow of information smooth and reliable.
Why Consistent Data-Sharing With Your Provider Matters
Consistent data-sharing creates a solid foundation for proactive diabetes care. By continuously providing your care team with up-to-date information about your blood glucose levels and insulin use, they can offer insights and make adjustments to your regimen.
Real-time data enables your care team to detect changes, make timely interventions, and provide personalized recommendations that help you stay on track with your diabetes management goals in between your typical visits.
Common Scenarios That Can Interrupt Data-Sharing (& Practical Tips for a Seamless Connection)
Now that we've discussed why data-sharing with your provider is so important, below you’ll find the most common reasons that we’ve seen as to why the flow of data might get interrupted, and what you can do to start sharing again.
1. You close out of your diabetes apps
While closing your apps can save phone battery, it can also interrupt data flow to your provider, leading to gaps in the information your provider receives. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain consistent data-sharing is to always keep your diabetes apps running in the background.
Tip: If you accidentally close an app, log back in as soon as possible to restore connectivity. Some smartphones also have a habit of shutting down your apps to save battery power automatically, so consider adjusting your phone’s settings to prevent this from happening.
2. You run a phone update (whether you know it or not)
Phone updates are helpful to keep your cell up-to-date and working well, but they can also cause your diabetes apps to log you out. When this happens, it interrupts data flow until you log back in.
Tip: After any phone update, double-check that you’re logged back in to your diabetes apps to ensure uninterrupted data-sharing. To avoid unexpected logouts, consider turning off automatic updates, especially overnight. Instead, schedule updates at times when you can quickly confirm your login status afterward.
3. You purchased a new phone
Getting a new phone is exciting, but it also requires a bit of setup to ensure your data-sharing stays intact. Transferring apps to your new device doesn’t always mean they’re automatically logged in.
Tip: Re-download your diabetes apps onto your new phone and log in with your credentials to restore connectivity. Even if the apps transfer during setup, it’s worth double-checking that they’re logged in and actively sharing data with your provider.
You’ll also want to ensure that your new phone is compatible with your diabetes devices. You can check the device manufacturer’s website to confirm device compatibility. Contact our team for support if needed.
4. You’re not wearing your diabetes device (whether on purpose or by accident)
When you remove your sensor or if it accidentally falls off, it can no longer collect data from your body, which will disrupt your monitoring. Thankfully, there are great products out there today to help keep your diabetes device secure and comfortable so you can avoid data disruptions.
Tip: To keep your sensor in place all day, try products like Skin-Tac or Simpatch. To alleviate skin irritation, you can try products such as an UnderPatch or Tegaderm, which can create a protective barrier between the sensor and skin.
5. You replaced your diabetes device
If you’ve replaced your diabetes device, such as your insulin pump, but it’s not synced with your CGM or pump apps, this can lead to data-sharing interruptions.
Tip: Start by unpairing the old pump and re-pairing the new one with your app(s). This will restore connectivity and ensure data flows seamlessly between your devices and provider.
6. You are patiently waiting on a prescription or device authorization
Delays with prescription refills or device authorizations can interrupt your data-sharing, but your provider may be able to speed the process along by coordinating with your pharmacy or insurer.
Tip: If you experience any refill or authorization delays, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider. Keeping these supplies up-to-date will help ensure uninterrupted data-sharing and prevent any lapses in your diabetes management.
Final Thoughts
Your health journey doesn’t have to be a solo effort. With SweetSpot, you can stay connected to your care team and take meaningful steps toward better diabetes management. By keeping apps open, logging back in after updates, checking compatibility with new devices, and addressing physical challenges, you can ensure your care team has the most up-to-date information to guide your treatment.
Have questions about getting started? Our team is here to help at hello@sweetspot.health.
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