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Lessons Learned Series: Dexcom Share Etiquette

Check out our community’s recommendations for Dexcom Share Etiquette below.

The CIM community is like an amazing source of information with experts across a diverse range of topics joining us at events across the country. This year, we’re working to distil many of the tips and things we’ve learned into digestible chunks. Throughout the year, expect to see recaps from some of our favourite Slipstream sessions, how-to guides based on things we’ve learned during Hot Topics sessions, and information we just couldn’t keep to ourselves.

If you have questions or something you’d like crowd-sourced and answered, share your question with us by sending us an email at: info@connectedinmotion.ca

Disclaimer: Please check out CIM’s Partners Page to learn more about the companies we work with. This post was not paid for and does not represent sponsored content, but it’s important to recognize that we may be biased based on the fact that some companies highlighted below support CIM in different ways. We still thought this info was important for you to know about.

DEXCOM SHARE ETIQUETTE

There can be many advantages to sharing your blood sugar data with friends and family — like peace of mind, or extra support when you need it — but we know it can also be a source of conflict and frustration between a Sharer and a Follower. How do we take full advantage of all the perks of this technology, without driving each other crazy?

We asked the Connected in Motion community to tell us about their experience with Dexcom Share/Follow. Here are five takeaway lessons about alert settings, communication boundaries, and more!

What is Dexcom Share/Follow: Dexcom Share is a feature in the Dexcom app that allows a user (the “Sharer”) to remotely share their blood sugar data with another person (the “Follower”). The Sharer’s data is sent to the Dexcom Share Cloud, which can then be viewed by invited Followers through the Dexcom Follow app. Sharers can choose which data is shared with individual Followers, and what each Follower will be alerted to (for example, an Urgent Low alert only). Learn more in our previous blog post, Lessons Learned Series: Dexcom Share Set-up.

1. Be mindful of your Followers' interests

Consider the people in your life — are they interested in knowing your BG or will it stress them out? Do they want to receive alerts? Will a Sharer/Follower relationship be mutually beneficial? Be open with each other before “taking the next step” with Dexcom Share.

“I share with both of my parents, just for their peace of mind. I shared with my partner at the time as well, as he was fairly interested and invested in it but I took it away when we broke up. My current partner I don’t share with, simply because he’s never really asked, and doesn’t fully understand.”
– Kristen

“I share with my spouse. Since I’m a runner and I travel alone, it’s nice that he can keep an eye on me and know that I’m OK. I have it set to alert him only to lows and severe lows.”
– Tracey

2. Decide how Share will work best for YOU

Everyone’s lifestyle is different, so the way you use Dexcom Share/Follow will be just as unique. Don’t worry if you aren’t using every bell and whistle, all the time. It’s okay to only use the features you need, when you need them.

“I only use it as a safety while drinking – Turn it on, have a couple friends who will also be alerted if I go low after an evening of a couple drinks, on a general basis so 99% of time no one has access to my numbers!”
– Breanne

“I share with my husband, but only when he is out of town and I’m home alone. The only alerts he actually gets are low alerts.”
– Brynn

3. Set clear guidelines about when Followers should act

Nothing can ruin a Sharer/Follower relationship like an over (or under) reaction to a BG! Make sure Followers understand if, when, and how you want them to take action (call, text, intervene, etc).

“I share with my Dad, Aunt, brother and cousin! They can see everything, but are only alerted if I’ve been under 3.9 for half hour, or immediately for urgent low… the idea is that it gives me time to correct without them being involved right away. No one has the high alerts on.”
– Marisa

“I share everything with my husband. He can see it all but knows to only comment if I am low.”
– Jen

4. Provide context for Followers who aren't familiar with T1D

Not everyone is familiar with Type 1 diabetes, or the complex relationship between BG, food, activity, illness, hormones, etc. Take time to explain the basics of Type 1 diabetes to a new Follower so they can understand the data they are seeing (and hopefully worry less!).

“I only recently started sharing my data with my sister. She gets low alerts only. She knows enough to know I can handle my diabetes, but has called/texted overnight or early morning when she’s getting alerted and she’s worried. We’ve discussed that cgm is delayed, and that daytime lows are less worrisome than overnights.”
– Annette

5. Don’t underestimate the value of support from those who care

Family and friends can be our biggest cheerleaders and comforters! Sharing the highs and lows of life AND diabetes can build relationships and provide a source of extra support when we need it most.

“I share all alerts, trends, numbers etc with my fiancé. It’s been amazing knowing that someone else is able to watch my numbers and step in if need be.”
– Anne

“I share with my husband, myself & two T1D friends who share with me. It’s nice to be able to check in on each other. No one makes comments unless they get the urgent low alert. Then I get a text or call to confirm the low with a finger stick.”
– Kathy

“…I also share w a few friends. It’s nice to have them to be able to give a shoutout to or check in with to say ‘ugh, been there’.”
– Jen

FEEDBACK, ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS? LET US KNOW!

Do you have an idea for our Lessons Learned blog? Something you have always been wondering, or something you’ve learned that was a real ‘AHA’ moment for you? Get in touch. Send your ideas to info@connectedinmotion.ca