How to Follow a Loved One’s Glucose From Your Own Phone or Computer 

By Your Health Magazine Contributor

Your Health Magazine Contributor

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How to Follow a Loved One’s Glucose From Your Own Phone or Computer 

With remote glucose sharing, parents, spouses, and adult children can view a loved one’s glucose readings even when they are not physically together. With CGM, or Continuous Glucose Monitoring, it is possible for a chosen family member to remotely access glucose readings from the CGM wearer’s phone or computer. The right setup depends upon the CGM system and the devices each person has. Below is an overview of common options for sharing glucose data.

What Is CGM Sharing and How Does It Work?

A CGM measures glucose in the interstitial fluid, which is the fluid between skin cells, and sends information to a compatible phone or receiver. When sharing is turned on, the wearer’s phone uploads the information through the internet to a service where a follower can then view glucose readings, trend arrows, and certain alerts on their phone or another compatible device.

Remote sharing can be helpful, but displayed information may be delayed if data takes time to upload or connectivity is interrupted. Sharing can also be interrupted if one user’s phone is not charged, Bluetooth is turned off, or either user lacks internet access. The follower should verify the reading’s timestamp rather than assume it is current if it is not changing.

What Are the Official Options for Libre and Dexcom Users?

FreeStyle Libre users can utilize LibreLinkUp, Abbott’s official sharing application, available for compatible iPhone and Android devices. A CGM wearer would have to send an invite through the Libre application, and the invitee would have to accept it through LibreLinkUp. After a successful connection, the follower would be able to view shared glucose information and alerts allowed by the system’s settings.

Dexcom users can share information with others using compatible smartphones through the official Dexcom application called Dexcom Follow. The wearer needs to turn on the “Share” function in the Dexcom app being used and send an invite to the selected follower.

Once accepted, the invitee will be able to see shared glucose readings, trend arrows, and notifications based on the permissions of the original Dexcom user. Compatibility will depend on CGM type, phone, operating system, and country of use; therefore, families should check system requirements before setting up.

What If the Family Uses iPhone, Android, and Computers?

First-party apps are often the simplest place to start if everyone has a compatible phone. Some families may use different phone systems or may want access to shared glucose information from a computer. In these situations, third-party cross-platform applications may provide additional viewing options. Sugar Sense is one example of a service designed to work with FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom, and Nightscout platforms.

According to the developer, the service supports access through devices and platforms including iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, web browsers, Windows, and Mac. Its Care Circle feature is designed to allow designated people to view shared glucose information and alerts. Device compatibility and available features should be verified before use. Sugar Sense is available for iPhone, Android and desktop.

Can Readings Be Seen on a Desktop or Smartwatch?

Yes, but it varies by service and device. Both LibreLinkUp and Dexcom Follow are primarily designed as smartphone apps. Some CGM systems also provide watch features, but requirements for a nearby phone and compatibility can vary by system.

Computer access may be available through a web dashboard, desktop app, or browser extension, depending on the service. A smartwatch may be useful for quick access, but a family member should not feel pressured to check constantly. Family members should test alerts on all devices and know what to do if internet, Bluetooth, or phone access is lost.

How Can Followers Set Up and Test Their Alerts?

After accepting the invitation from the wearer, each family member should review the notification settings for the app being used and follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions. The family can then decide which notifications they want to receive, whether they want sound, and on which device they want to receive them. This is important because phone settings can sometimes suppress alerts, especially if the phone is on silent or in low-power mode, or if notifications are turned off for the app.

Do a test run with the whole family while everyone is together to make sure that a shared reading shows up and the timestamp is correct. If the app has a test option, use it. It’s also worth checking notification settings again periodically after an update, as permissions can sometimes change with app or operating system updates.

How Should Families Use Remote Following Respectfully?

Sharing should begin with permission from the person wearing the CGM. Family members can decide together who will follow, what alerts they will receive, and under what circumstances it is appropriate to call or message the wearer.

It is also important that family members establish a plan for what to do if sharing stops or if the wearer cannot be reached. It is often more productive to observe patterns and trends rather than respond to every single data point. Teenagers and those living independently may find constant notifications intrusive or overwhelming. A clear plan can help reduce unnecessary interruptions while still giving loved ones reassurance.

When Should the Care Team Be Involved?

Remote following supports communication; it does not replace the wearer’s primary CGM display, the system instructions, or professional care. Families should ask the care team how to interpret patterns, respond to concerning readings, and establish an appropriate contact plan. If a value is inconsistent with symptoms or the situation seems urgent, follow the directions provided with the CGM system and the emergency plan developed with the care team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can more than one family member use the same CGM?

Typically, yes. How many family members can have access to information depends on the CGM service. The wearer has control over who receives access to their shared information.

Why are glucose readings not updating?

Updates can be interrupted if the phone is out of battery, Bluetooth or internet connectivity is unavailable, the sensor or app encounters an error, or communication between devices is disrupted. A follower should always check when the glucose data was last updated before taking any action.

Can followers change the wearer’s CGM settings?

Follower apps usually provide the ability to view readings and receive alerts rather than control the main CGM settings. Available features vary, so users should review the instructions for the specific CGM and sharing application.

Should families respond to every glucose change?

Usually not. Families should agree in advance on which alerts warrant contacting the wearer rather than responding to every individual change. Questions about treatment decisions or how to respond to particular glucose readings should be discussed with the wearer’s care team.