Terry,
Is the Apple Watch display always on? If not, what do you have to do to switch it on? Does it show the BG numbers right away or do you need to select the dexcom app? Thanks.
When you raise your wrist the screen comes on automatically. And shuts off when you lower your arm. Genius. You can also set the last open app to show up automatically every time you wake the watch. So, my last app is always Dexcom Share.
Hi Helmut - The watch turns on when it senses a rotation or lifting of the wrist and remains lit for about 8 seconds. The battery issue would be intolerable if the display stayed on all the time. As it is I have to charge every night. I have my watch set up to default to the Dexcom app. When I lift my wrist my BG is right there. I’d like to get the subtle tap on the wrist for high and low thresholds. I believe the ball is in Dexcom’s court to exploit more of the Apple features.
I should have read your comment first before I replied to Helmut. Redundant redundant. 
Anthony & Terry, thanks for your detailed response.
Though Apple has a big market share in the US, Android is much more dominant worldwide. I expect Dexcom is working to develop a full-fledged Android version–they pretty much have to–but there is always the extra layer of complexity in that medical products, including software, have to pass FDA review. I’m sure that plays a heavy role in determining which platform they’re deciding to start with and roll out on. But strategically it’s just a matter of time since they are in a world-wide market.
There have been downsides for me as an Apple user of a similar kind and causation. The Medtronic Carelink site only works for OSX versions at least a point or so behind current because they develop for Windows first. I couldn’t use it for about 6 months after updating to Mavericks—which I did better than a year after the release date—while they were getting their software through FDA approval.
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I know the FDA has significantly relaxed how it views secondary blood glucose displays such as the Dexcom Follow app. I understand that this enabled Dexcom to introduce its Share product with the Follow app and paved the way for the relatively quick Apple Watch blood glucose display.
Prior to this easing of FDA rules, secondary blood glucose displays had to meet the same stringent regulatory rules applied to an insulin pump or continuous blood glucose monitor.
I only point this out since I’m aware of the criticism aimed at the FDA in the past for needless approval delays, some of it by me. I sense a positive response by the FDA to grass-roots patient communities in the last year or two. I hope this trend continues. The “we are not waiting” Nightscout movement has also had a beneficial timely effect not only on the FDA but also on the device makers themselves. I don’t think I would have an Apple Watch with my Dexcom BG display on my wrist today without the productive irritation produced by patient activists.
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Anthony -
Thank you so much for posting this thread. It’s been extremely educational for a non-techie like me. The Apple Watch would help me during my infusions since my BGs rollercoaster during and after the infusion. It would also help me while driving as well (during traffic jams after work).
My phone contract has expired so your thread has given me another item to add on my “to do” list. But first I’ll have to get a Dexcom. 
Thanks again. Keep us posted on how it’s going with the watch.
k
Wow, where did you dig that up, PB? Brings back memories. I just saw an interview with him recently and he was talking about how when he brought that character on SNL his career just exploded. 
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Googled “well excuse me”. first hit was the video. 
Do you remember the arrow through his head?
Yep, grew up watching him. He’s one of our guys–from Texas (Waco).
Interesting and encouraging information @Terry4–thanks. I’m entirely in favor of the FDA looking out for fraud, quackery and dangerously under-tested therapies, but it has seemed increasingly crazy for devices like insulin pumps to lag so far behind current practice in terms of interface design and data sharing. I’m glad to hear the FDA may be realizing that as well.
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My AW and Dex were awesome together this weekend. I coach my son’s baseball team and we played 3 games Saturday in 90 degree plus heat and 3 games Sunday in the same conditions. My iphone and Dex stayed in my backpack on the bench while I coached first and ran around like I always do. Glancing at my AW to see my BS was super convenient, plus was able to see texts and incoming phone calls as well. Watch got soaked with water and a rain storm and I never worried about it.
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sounds very cool, mike!
Anthony, I’ve been using my AW and Share app for a couple of weeks now and notice that there is a delay from 1 to 10 sec some times from when I turn on the AW to the Dex AW app and it refreshing the current BG value. It usually shows the last value for a split second, then goes blank for 1 to 10 seconds while it (seems to ) load the current value. Is that how your AW and the Dex app work for you? I would like to see the app always up to date when I flip my wrist and see the app. Not sure if there is an issue with my watch/software, or if that’s how it works, at least for V1.0. Thanks for your thoughts.
Rodger
Hi Rodger. Yes mine does the same thing. In fact I was a little concerned about the watch showing a stale value so I called Dexcom directly in May. They said they are working on updates and will be making changes so that stale values do not show up for the first second or 2. Still great for a first gen system!
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I have nearly the same issue with CGM numbers on my MM pump being “old”. If there is an alert that I am going high or low, there will be a large number on the left side of the screen. If I clear that screen, hit ESCAPE to see the current glucose value, it can be far different, depending on the length of time between the appearance of the alert number and the time that I got around to looking at the pump/clearing the screen, getting the current number as indicated above. It can be quite unsettling. I wish MM could think of a better way to present the data so that I always see the current values, even if there is an alert value.
Too cute Tim! Can you make me one too? 