Cherise/DiabeticizMe asked about this via Twitter last night. I posted some instructions on how to get reports from CareLink while on a Mac without VMWare/Parallels. Nothing much new that has already been discussed in this thread. It’s really disappointing that more than a year later, access hasn’t improved.
Wait!!! … IPhone they should have an app for that!!!
Manny,
My wife runs bootcamp and loves it!!! VMware is also solid!!!
I ordered Pumping insulin by John Walsh. My Endo appointment is next week and they have been wearing me down to switch to a pump. This would def beat me faxing my numbers every 2 weeks!!!
I just got my Carelink a couple weeks ago from a rep. I was told by my rep that they used to give these things out free, but no one was using them and so they’ll give them away no problem if you use them. Then again my rep is really nice, but it’s worth a shot to call them and ask!
I am personally disappointed by it, though. Maybe I am missing something, but the data seems a bit limited for people without a CGMS. I was hoping I could put tags next to certain things, explaining to my doctor why I had that 360 reading, but I haven’t figured out a way to do that yet. I am also disappointed by the lack of line graphs for certain days. For instance, I should be able to see a line graph for the week with seven different colors showing the different days, but it’s just a plot chart that doesn’t track individual days. I believe they have something similar to this for people wearing a CGMS, but not for those that do it the old fashioned way.
Probably will not work if your computer is a a 64-bit machine or if you use linux, MAC or anything but a MS browser.
That’s because the Pro version is for the doctor to look at and decern the results. I just went to my Endo and she uploaded and showed me things that I didn’t see in the personal version. I agree that maybe they need to upgrade the info for the user.
It’s about drivers. It is possible to set Safari up to disguise it’s identity, fool CarLink into thinking it’s a PX running explorer. Safari will work with carLink in most respects, it can be used to read data and generate reports. However, the driver that deploys from CareLink to work (in my case, not sure about other devices) with the USB wireless device is for windows, it will not work with Mac OS X…
Given that people have been asking for Mac compatibility for some years (I can find internet discussions dating back to 2007) now. I am puzzled as to why Medtronic haven’t some this yet? I wonder if it has something to do with corporate identity (see I’m a Mac, I’m a PC ads). Given we are a community as pump users !
I love my MiniMed, don’t get me wrong, but to force people down the visualisation route, although enhances your tecky status, dose little else really. Interestingly take a look at the Animas website, it has a certain Apple flavour, and check this out.
http://www.animascorp.com/animas-insulin-pumps/ezmanager-max-software
future changes, I hope not, love the MinMed! but oooo what’s on the other side of the fence?
Since Carelink is used to display medical data and medical decisions may be based upon that data, the FDA requires such systems to be validated to ensure they work as designed. One of the things required for the validation is computer system specs. Each possible combination of OS’s and browsers would require a separate validation plan. As with all things, these are very costly to develop and limiting it to a single OS and browser combination probably saved them lots. Also, you then have to support each combination and provide training and testing that a particular tech is trained (ie certified) to handle a certain combination.
We did a system validation here a few years ago. It cost us over $30k to validate the system and that was with me writing all the SOP’s, test cases and other documents required. If we had used our consultant for more than jut guidance and for executing the validation plan, I bet we would have hit the $100k mark easily
I appreciate this, more than most, as I used to work in Avionics software and systems design and implementation (Military Aircraft). However, the situation remains. The fact that the system runs on Medtronic’s own servers should in theory simply things a great deal. Splitting functionality between a platform in Medtronic’s domain and those parts of of system outside the core, should simply things a great deal. Could this make approval of drivers etc much simpler that getting approval for an entire system.
However this is not happening 30k for a business like Medtronic is small-beer, especially as the CareLink is such a selling point.
Medtronic are in danger of falling behind on this front… one which they used to lead.
Check this out:- http://www.animascorp.com/animas-insulin-pumps/ezmanager-max-software
Adimas have now got a cross platform system, all-be-it standalone. Maybe a stand alone app for medtronic should be the way to go, it could be that attempting to use a cloud app is in reality to problematic?
Thanks for the reply…
unfortunately 21CFR Part 11 doesn’t let you split them apart, they still have to go thru that process for every OS/browser combination that they support.
Basically, it has to be validated that not only is the server producing the correct data, but also that the client pc is displaying the data correctly
I did wonder this, as I used the words “in theory”. A stand alone client app for users would be simpler then? Which is what Admias are offering. What is “21CFR Part 11”, is this part if the FDA. I am speaking from the UK, so I am not sure how EEC regulations would differ from US regulations and what their relative interdependence might be?
This is a great pity, as it means other people have to work independently to create apps. These apps for iPhone and-other platforms usually come with disclaimers about use. An example would be http://www.nesfield.co.uk/diabeteslogbookx/
I am hoping that Adimas might provide the motivation for Medtronic to take more seriously their customers requirements?
cheers,
CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations here in the US. Title 21 deals with the FDA and Part 11 deals with electronic data.
A stand alone version could make it easier, then it would just be one for each OS.
I logged into Carelink from my Mac when it was announced the other day, but when I try now, it shows again that Safari is not compatible. Anyone else having an issue too?
I am confused. I have had the USB for four years, since my first mini med pump. When I got my first pump, I called Mini Med and they sent my a USB. I just upgraded to the Revel and everything for Carelink was in the box, including the USB.
Complimentary? I had to pay $56 for it!!!
Natalie, I have noticed over the last couple years that Medtronic goes thru phases on whether they are charging for the link or not. Per online comments, that is. I wonder if it also depends on the luck of the draw in who you get on the phone. My carelink was sent, maybe 3 years ago (2?) just out of the blue. Of course, I could not use it until a few weeks ago and it is a true miracle that I still had it and could put my hands on it. I can’t usually find anything, period. Just consider you were one of the unlucky ones that got caught in a “pay period.” Doesn’t help your feelings about it but I have read where lots of others had to pay also.