A CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) is a small sensor injected into the skin which measures blood glucose levels. The sensor sends data to a device, such as a smartphone or reader, providing real-time glucose readings. How it works is that glucose in the interstitial fluid reacts with glucose oxidation in the sensor membrane producing hydrogen peroxide, which in turn reacts at the sensor electrode to generate electrochemical current signals. The current is proportional to the tissue glucose concentration. The electric signal is converted to numerical values to represent glucose levels.

From Benedict's solution to glucose strips that needed to be compared against a colour chart to more modern day glucometers & now CGMs, we've come a long way!

Today, we're going to review the CE marked Tracky CGM, made by a Chinese company called Yuwell & white-labelled & sold in India as Tracky CGM.

Want to know more about the latest diabetes tech? Read our blogs & see our tech playlist.

Advocacy for affordable CGMs

Unfortunately for us in India CGMs are an expensive affair & we pay out of pocket. They are life saving but the huge costs make them a luxury that the middle class can't afford. Read this post to know about our struggle to prevent the discontinuation of the relatively affordable Libre Pro. Our issues were also highlighted in the Times of India, Sakal & The Bridge Chronicle newspapers.

If you would still like to share your opinion on why diabetes care should be affordable for everyone, please participate in this survey & share.

Pricing & Availability

While not inexpensive, Tracky is currently the most affordable CGM option in India - other CGMs/FGMs in the market are priced even higher.

The MRP for 1 sensor is Rs 3899. If you're using it for the first time, you need to purchase a one time (reusable) transmitter too. The Welcome Kit containing 1 transmitter and 1 sensor costs Rs 5999. These & more combinations can be purchased from the Tracky website where you can use the discount code BCDF5 for an additional community discount. They ship across India & dispatch in 2-3 working days.

Key Features

• Currently the most affordable CGM in India
• 14 days life span
• Scan free Bluetooth connection
• Customisable realtime alerts & notifications
• IP58 rating ensures durability and water resistance (can be immersed upto 2.5m in water for 1 hour)
• Can be used on the upper arm or abdomen
• Can share data with family and caregivers
• MARD of 9.07%
• Readings every 3 minutes (480 readings a day)

Packaging & Presentation

The Tracky CGM kit has two main components:

1. Sensor + Applicator (Box 1)

The sensor comes pre-loaded with its own use & throw applicator. Each sensor lasts 14 days and is single-use. It cannot be reused once removed.

2. Transmitter (Box 2)

The transmitter is reusable. It needs to be attached over the sensor and sends glucose readings to the Tracky app on your smartphone via Bluetooth. The transmitter must be recharged between uses and can be paired with each new sensor after the old one expires.

Here are some photos of the packaging:

How to apply the CGM

Ensure your transmitter is charged before you begin. A blue light on the charging stand indicates it's fully charged. Apply the sensor on your arm. See the video tutorial on how to apply the sensor -

Open up the Tracky app and click on connect CGM & head to setup. Here you will notice it picks up the serial number & model & asks you to click the button to connect the transmitter.

It will then prompt you to scan the QR code on the back of the sensor packaging (do not be in a hurry to throw the packaging away 😄). Once you scan it, the sensor is successfully connected & will be initialised in 60 minutes.

The Tracky App

Available on Google Play and Apple Store, the app is simple & fairly easy to navigate.

It offers logging of exercise, food & insulin/oral medication/GLP-1s (if at all you choose to add these). It also allows you to set your low & high BG targets & alarms & also shows a daily overview & AGP reports. The Tracky CGM also syncs with the Blue Circle Diabetes app.

Despite its functionality and price point, the system has some limitations. The app does not allow you to calibrate the CGM when needed. Also sometimes, the app does not sync in the background automatically. This means you may have to manually open the app and press the sync button on the top right to be sure that you're seeing the latest blood glucose readings. This takes away from the seamless experience & hopefully the team at Tracky will resolve this in future updates.

Here are some screenshots from the Tracky app-

Tracky integrates with the Blue Circle Diabetes App

The Blue Circle Diabetes app, available on Android & iOS has been made by and for people living with all types of diabetes. Read more about the app here. The latest update to the Blue Circle Diabetes App now supports Tracky CGM integration, allowing users to access all the current advanced & future features in the Blue Circle Diabetes app.

To sync your Tracky CGM with the Blue Circle Diabetes App:

Menu (☰) → Data Sync → Tracky tab → Follow the instructions

Built in response to community feedback, the Blue Circle Diabetes App is now interoperable with all major CGMs in India! 

Our beta testers with lived experience have helped us rebuild this community driven mobile app. For any feedback head to the 'Feedback' tab of the app or email support@bluecircle.foundation

Overall thoughts & video reviews

The Tracky CGM really stands out because of its price point, making it the most affordable real-time CGM in India at the moment. The overall experience isn’t without hiccups but hopefully these edges will be polished in future updates.

As a community, we continue to advocate for affordable, reliable CGMs in India, because these devices are not a luxury, they’re life saving. 

Watch our video review below & if you have questions or want to share your experience using Tracky CGM, do post on our Facebook group, Diabetes Support Network India

FAQs

• Does Tracky CGM have alarms for hypos & hypers? Yes it does & you can set your low & high limits & alarms.
• My transmitter gets discharged before the 14 day period or simply does not connect. What do I do? Ensure you use only the charging cable provided by the company (do not use any C type charger)
• Do I need to scan the sensor to get readings? There is no need to scan since it's a bluetooth based real time CGM
• Do I need to have an NFC enabled phone? Not required, you just need a phone with Bluetooth (Android or iOS)
• Is it okay if I don't test on a glucometer at all? It is not advisable. You must test on a glucometer at least 1-2 times a day to ensure your readings are aligned with the CGM
• What should I do if I see bleeding? Do not panic, wipe off the blood. If it does not hurt, there's nothing to worry. If needed, remove the transmitter, wipe & reapply.
• Can I exercise, swim/bathe, take a flight or go school with my CGM on? You absolutely can do all of these things. Ask for a travel/school letter format on our FB group Diabetes Support Network India & ask/share experiences. See this post on our Facebook group to download a school letter format that you can edit & submit to your child's school so they understand your child's requirements.
• What if I have a faulty sensor? If your sensor has issues such as persistent lows or highs for 72 hours, or reduced data collection, or application failure etc within 12 days you may contact the company for a replacement by calling +91 8976023799 or emailing info@mytracky.com or reaching out via the chat bot on their website.
• Is there a warranty for the transmitter? Yes, the transmitter has a 2 year warranty.

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