For me, the biggest benefit of keeping with the Dexcom ecosystem is lower maintenance and its ease of use, while providing the information I need. It is not because I can’t manage technology, as I’ve worked in IT for the last 25 years, and currently design application systems, but that is possibly why I gravitate toward lower maintenance. I have had very few problems with the Dexcom app system.
My ecosystem:
Hardware
- Samsung 10+
- iPad Pro (2, one each for myself and spouse)
- Fossil Gen5 Carlyle Watch
- iMac
Apps
- Dexcom G6
- Dexcom Follow (for my spouse)
- Dexcom Clarity (for analysis)
- GlucoGram (Mac Menu Bar App)
I’ve looked into alternative applications, but found them unappealing, as the biggest driver was to have attractive watch faces, as well as get complications in the watch face. That was an unsatisfying experience, as the watch faces were no better than the Dexcom, and in truth, much more trouble than they were worth. Even then, almost any 3rd party app or set of apps, have little value for me.
I care about my short-term and long-term values, average A1c, notification for lows and very lows, and charting so I can understand problem areas and patterns. I can get that from the Dexcom apps. A deeper analysis does not appeal to me, nor do customized ringtones, at least beyond what the Dexcom offers.
Additionally, my data can be read by my endocrinologist and her team, without me having to upload the data. Once I set the office up in the Clarity app, it is seamless. From what I’ve read, other systems require manual download/uploads, and sometimes clearing IT administration hurdles.