Now that I have become a Cyborg, I can leverage technology to make managing Type 1 Diabetes a bit easier.
As a relatively simple first step, I wanted to be able to know my blood sugar at any time by simply asking my Amazon Alexa Smart devices. By the way, I renamed my Alexa devices to “Computer” because I am a Trekkie.
My Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) already automatically checks my blood sugar (glucose) level every 5 minutes. I downloaded the Sugarmate app on my iPhone, signed it up as one of my Dexcom “Followers” then taught Alexa the Sugarmate skill. Moments later…
Me: “Computer, what’s my blood sugar?” while playing Spiderman pinball on my wall.
Alexa (aka “Computer”): “Sure, here’s Sugarmate. It’s 186 and steady. Last checked 1 minute ago.”
Hooray for cool technology… making life with diabetes more convenient and even FUN.
I am setting up more advanced capabilities too. I am using Nightscout, If This Then That (IFTTT), iOS Workflow, and Amazon Alexa to track my T1D related details and to notify me in smart ways when my blood sugar is getting too high or too low. For example, see My Lights Blink Red When My Blood Sugar is Too High or Too Low.
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Truly amazing! It is interesting to think how being a Trekkie led you into this fun approach. This is a perfect example of “a glass half full”. Good job!
LOVE.
Libby, the you watch Black Mirror, season 4, episode 1?
I have not seen it yet. I have heard about it. I will look for it. Thanks!
I just watched it, and it was EXCELLENT SCIENCE FICTION. I loved it!
THANK YOU for the suggestion, Marta!
Hi Libby, I have setup the same for my daughter (dexcom, sugarmate, echo dot … all connected). However I am not able to ask “Alexa, what is my blood sugar?” Did you use lambda function to customize questions for Alexa? Or you customize it using IFTTT?
Thanks
Hi Lazar. I used Sugarmate. I taught Alexa the Sugarmate skill. IFTTT is not necessary for that basic functionality.
Hi Libby,
I was able to set SugarMate skill with Alexa. However, I need to use Invocation SugarMate. For instance: “Alexa, ask SugarMate my blood sugar”
How did you change/customize invocation name?
Thanks