Since our kid got the T1D diagnosis in October 2022, we’ve been on a mission to figure out life, tech, and all the little hacks that make this journey a bit smoother for all of us. This space is where we share the coolest finds and lifestyle tricks that help keep the balance.
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A real-time remote monitoring system and database empowering diabetes management through continuous tracking of glucose levels and insulin data.
When our kiddo first got the T1D diagnosis, we were suddenly thrown into a world of blood sugar checks, insulin shots, and trying to make sense of it all. That’s when we discovered Nightscout – a game changer in diabetes tech!
Nightscout is an open-source system that connects with our Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to track real-time glucose levels and insulin doses. It shares live data across smartphones, smartwatches, and computers, allowing us to monitor everything from anywhere. This system provides comprehensive insights, helping us manage diabetes more effectively while offering peace of mind, whether we’re at home or on the go.
Plus, it serves as the foundation for advanced Loop systems like AAPS, making automated insulin delivery a reality.
Artificial pancreas system
After getting Nightscout set up, we found ourselves diving deeper into the world of diabetes tech. That’s when we discovered AAPS (Android APS)—an open-source app that’s like having an artificial pancreas right on your phone. It doesn’t just track glucose; it takes things a step further by using smart algorithms to automatically adjust insulin levels, keeping blood sugar more balanced without constant manual input.
What’s really amazing about AAPS is that, like Nightscout, it was developed by the T1D community—parents and individuals who didn’t want to wait for big companies to offer a solution. With AAPS, not only can we monitor blood sugar levels remotely, but we can also control insulin delivery and fine-tune the system to suit our kid’s needs. It’s like a smart, customizable loop that gives us even more freedom and peace of mind.
Glucose levels visual monitor product
One of the things we didn’t expect after our kid’s T1D diagnosis was just how much we’d rely on constantly checking devices for glucose levels. It became second nature to pull out our phones or glance at a smartwatch every few minutes. That’s when we stumbled upon Sugar Pixel, and let me tell you, this little device has been a game changer for us at home.
Sugar Pixel is basically a digital clock for blood sugar levels. We set it up in different rooms, and now instead of constantly reaching for our phones, we can just glance at the display—like checking the time, but for glucose trends. It’s fully customizable, too. We can tweak the colors, add alerts, and even set it up to show data for two users at once. Now, we don’t have to disrupt our routine to stay on top of things, which has brought a lot more peace into our daily life.
It’s been especially helpful in teaching our kid to be more calm and confident when it comes to managing their sugar levels. Instead of constantly feeling the need to check a device, they can simply look at the display, be aware, and plan ahead without the stress.
Honestly, while it’s not the cheapest product out there, it’s one of the most worthwhile investments we’ve made for practical use at home. Simple to set up, super effective, and a huge help in keeping life just a bit more “normal.” For more details, you can check out their website—they’ve got all the info there!
Glucose levels monitor with lots of features
Xdrip is an adaptable, open-source application primarily designed to receive and display data from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems on Android devices. It allows users to wirelessly collect real-time blood glucose readings from compatible CGM sensors, providing customizable alerts, trend analysis, and visualization tools. Xdrip empowers individuals managing diabetes by offering a user-friendly interface to monitor their glucose levels conveniently, fostering greater control and insight into their day-to-day glucose fluctuations.
Glucose levels data, reports and analytics
When it comes to managing all the diabetes data from glucose meters, insulin pumps, and CGMs, tidepool is a lifesaver. It brings everything together in one easy-to-use platform, making it simple to track and visualize blood sugar levels, insulin doses, and more. The best part? You can connect apps like Dexcom or Loop, sending the data straight to Tidepool. This makes it easy to keep tabs on everything, whether you’re managing it yourself or sharing it with your doctor. The clear, user-friendly interface is just the cherry on top, offering a smoother way to stay on top of diabetes care.
a DIY solution for the tech-savvy
Here’s our M5Stack Nightscout display showing Noam’s glucose data in real-time. Setting this up wasn’t exactly a walk in the park—it definitely requires some technical skills (or a friend who knows their way around tech). After a bit of effort, I managed to get two devices working, though they only run on WiFi, with no Bluetooth option yet. Despite that, it’s a great addition to our setup, right alongside our SugarPixel display. It’s been a super handy tool for keeping tabs on glucose levels from anywhere at home!
Real-time glucose data at a glance on your mac
For those of us using Nightscout, the Nightscout macOS Menu Bar Follower is a super handy tool. It puts our kid’s glucose data right in the macOS menu bar, so we can quickly check levels without opening any apps or browsers. The plugin pulls in real-time data straight from Nightscout, giving us glucose trends and alerts with just a glance. It’s a simple but effective way to stay updated throughout the day while working or using the computer, making diabetes management even more seamless.
Customizable alerts and glucose tracking
We’ve been using the Blose app on our Watch 4 to follow Dexcom data, and it’s been a great addition to our setup. The app allows us to customize low and high alarms (with vibrations!), adjust the graph display, and dive into daily glucose data. It’s been super handy, especially when paired with xdrip and the AAPS watchface. It adds another layer of convenience to our diabetes management routine.
Monitor BG directly through a watch
We’ve started using the BlueJay watch, and it’s proving to be a game-changer. It connects directly to the Dexcom sensor G6 (with Xdrip on the watch), which means no more carrying a phone around—perfect for times when a phone isn’t practical, like at the pool or during sports. While it doesn’t connect to our loop system without the phone, we can still easily monitor blood glucose levels on the go. (It looks like the G7 isn’t supported yet, and we’re also not sure about its water resistance.)
Staying prepared, no matter where we go
Every day, this little purple bag comes with us wherever we go, filled with all the essentials to manage our kid’s diabetes. Inside, we’ve got everything from a Dexcom sensor and an extra Omnipod DASH pump to insulin and glucose tabs—basically everything we need to keep things running smoothly. Finding the right bag that’s lightweight, durable, and temperature-protective has been key, especially since it spends the whole day in our kid’s backpack. It’s all about being prepared without making diabetes feel like a constant burden.
keeping the Omnipod secure, no matter the adventure
In the very first week of using a CGM, I went on a mission to find the best reinforcement stickers out there. I knew keeping the sensor and pump secure on a young child would be a challenge, especially with all the running, jumping, and daily adventures. We tried everything—stickers that didn’t last, layering adhesives under and over, even wrapping it all up in fabric bandages when needed.
Then we came across SIMPATCH Omnipod adhesive, and it was a game changer. This waterproof adhesive is perfect for keeping the Omnipod in place, no matter how much swimming or sweating happens. It’s easy to apply, super comfortable, you’re always ready for the next adventure. No more stressing about the pod peeling off at the worst possible moment—just peace of mind and a secure fit that lasts.
Definitely one of our most useful finds!
You’re T1D life became sweeter?