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Medtronic CareLink is a type of software that generates reports, including patterns and trends, using data from blood glucose monitors and other devices. People can then share the information with a healthcare team.
This article discusses Medtronic CareLink, its pros and cons, and some frequently asked questions about this software.
Please note, the writer has not tested these products. All information is research-based.
Medtronic states that it is committed to improving people’s quality of life and providing support and innovation in diabetes technology.
The company has created CareLink, an online program that allows a person with diabetes store their readings and information in one place. This software can generate reports and detect patterns, which a person can then share with a doctor.
Reputation
At the time of publication, Medtronic does not hold accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB currently gives the company an A+ grade. However, Medtronic has an average customer rating of 1.07 out of five stars. Moreover, reviews of the company on Trustpilot also average 1.7 out of five stars.
Positive reviews are mostly from long-term customers. These users often mention the reliability of the service and the friendly customer service that Medtronic offers.
Authors of negative reviews state that Medtronic had several products on backorder, leading to delays in delivering medical supplies. Other customers say that the technical support the company offers is lacking and that the products it is using do not work correctly.
Medtronic CareLink allows a person and a healthcare team to review the person’s health information.
To sign up, an individual needs to create an account. To do that, they need to enter their country of residence and preferred language and then choose the patient portal.
Create a Medtronic CareLink account here.
Once a person signs up, they can upload their devices. These devices may include insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and blood glucose monitors. Medtronic provides a list of compatible devices on its website.
Learn more about diabetic supplies here.
A person can then review reports, charts, and graphs of their readings. They can also generate reports over different time frames.
Additionally, an individual can personalize their settings to include, remove, or format information, such as meals and mealtimes, analysis report periods, and data source preferences.
If a person has a healthcare team, they can link it to their account so that the team can view results and reports.
The software is free to download, and anybody with a compatible diabetes device can use it. People can access the software on a desktop computer or via smart devices.
Before using Medtronic CareLink, a person should consider its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- The software generates patterns and trends in glucose levels.
- People can share their data with a healthcare professional.
- People can share their data with up to five people.
- The software alerts users if the readings it receives are outside of a target range.
- The software is compatible with most diabetic devices.
- The software is free to download.
Cons
- The software is only accessible to people with desktop computers or smart devices.
- The software may be complicated to use.
- The software is not compatible with all diabetic devices.
The following table is a comparison of Medtronic CareLink and two other companies that have created software that tracks data from diabetic devices:
| Medtronic CareLink | Glucose Buddy | mySugr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | free | starts at $19.99 per month | free, with subscription options |
| Device compatibility | compatible with most devices | compatible with Glucose Buddy smart meter | compatible with most Accu-Chek devices |
| Remote sharing with doctors | via sharing account | Users can download and share readings. | via email |
| Additional features | Users can personalize which data the software displays. Automatic alerts go off if readings are too high or too low. | Users have access to one-on-one diabetes coaching. The company delivers supplies. Users can input the data manually if they do not have a compatible device. | The software connects to fitness apps on iOs and Android. Users have access to a bolus calculator for insulin. The software estimates hemoglobin A1c levels. The software provides blood sugar reminders. |
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than
The
- with a family history of the condition
- over the age of 40 years
- who developed gestational diabetes in pregnancy
- who have overweight
- who do not get regular exercise
- with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- who smoke or drink alcohol
- who do not eat a balanced diet
- who are experiencing stress
It is important to receive treatment for diabetes. This condition can cause several complications, such as:
Treatment can prevent or delay many complications. Having regular appointments with healthcare professionals can also help detect complications sooner.
Below are some frequently asked questions about CareLink:
How can I get started with CareLink?
A person needs to have a compatible device to use CareLink.
If they do, they can sign up for an account on the Medtronic website.
Does Medtronic CareLink replace doctor’s appointments?
Individuals should not use CareLink as a substitute for a doctor’s appointment. This software cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions.
However, if a person’s doctor has access to CareLink, the person may require fewer appointments with the doctor.
It is advisable to consult a healthcare team to decide how often a person should contact a healthcare professional to monitor their condition.
How much does Medtronic CareLink cost?
CareLink is free to download and use.
However, people will need to have compatible devices to be able to use this software.
A person should consult a doctor if they have symptoms of diabetes. These
- increased hunger or thirst
- more frequent urination
- fatigue
- blurry vision
- numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- sores that take a long time to heal
- unintentional weight loss
Additionally, a person with diabetes should have regular contact with a healthcare team to ensure any medications and treatments are still suitable for their needs.
Medtronic CareLink is a type of software that detects patterns and generates reports from data it receives from compatible devices. The software is free to download and use.
People should contact a doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms of diabetes. Doctors can recommend treatment options to manage the condition and delay or prevent complications.