I Wore Medtronic's Simplera CGM - Here's How it Went

I recently tried out Simplera – Medtronic’s new FDA-approved continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The disposable sensor is nearly 50% smaller than its predecessor, the Guardian sensor, and offers a sleek, square-shape design that is adhered using a single-use applicator. Currently, the new CGM is approved for a seven day wear-time, but Medtronic told me it hopes to increase this in the future.

Simplera is the latest integration to the Medtronic Smart MDI system. The system combines Simplera’s real-time CGM data with the InPen, a smart insulin pen, to deliver personalized dosing recommendations, actionable insights, and missed dose reminders.

While Simplera has received FDA-clearance for stand-alone use, its integration with the InPen is still under review with the FDA. Medtronic’s other model of the CGM, Simplera Sync, shares the same form-factor as Simplera, but is designed for integration with the MiniMed 780G system. This CGM is beginning to release to users in the UK with more locations coming soon. Simplera Sync sensor is under review by the FDA in a separate regulatory filing.

@diabe_tech

I put on a new continuous glucose monitor from Medtronic, Simplera! #diabetes #cgm #t1d

The Simplera sensor is sleek and compact

When I first put on Simplera, I was pleasantly surprised by its size. It’s similar in size to the Dexcom G7, but if you include the G7’s over-patch – which Dexcom requires – the Simplera takes up significantly less surface area. Its lightweight design made it comfortable for everyday activities, whether I was at home, working out, or out living my life. I often forgot I was wearing it.

Simplera stays on well, but only lasts seven days

One aspect I particularly appreciated was how well the Simplera adhered to my skin. I’ve had issues with the Dexcom G7’s newest adhesive, so I was relieved to find that Simplera stayed securely in place even after multiple workouts, showers, and swims. The downside is, even though I found the sensor’s adhesive to stick well beyond two weeks, the CGM will only function for seven days. This is much shorter than the Libre 2 & 3 Plus’ 15 days and the Dexcom G6 and G7 10 days. 

@diabe_tech

Simplera continuous glucose montior wear-test. #cgm #medtronic

Unlike the Dexcom G7, Simplera doesn’t offer an extra grace period after it expires. But one feature it shares is that the warm-up period kicks off as soon as the sensor is released from the applicator. So, if you’re in a rush and can’t connect it to the app right away, no problem—the sensor will still begin its 2-hour warm-up as soon as it’s on.

Simplera’s applicators are about the same size as the Dexcom G7, making it easy to pack a few extras without taking up much space. My favorite hack? I slip two applicators into each shoe in my luggage to save on room.

How Simplera compares to competitor CGMs 

The app is sleek and user-friendly

The Simplera app was one of my favorite aspects of the CGM. I was struck by its sleek dark mode interface, which makes navigating the app visually appealing and easy to see at all times of day. The app offers the ability to calibrate the CGM and log events such as glucose levels, carbohydrate intake, and insulin doses.

What really impressed me was the ability to scroll through days of data effortlessly from the main screen. Unlike other CGMs, Simplera lets you swipe back as far back as you want from the home-screen graph. The app also supports pinch-and-zoom which allows you to zoom-in on specific time frames, giving insights into how levels fluctuate at specific times of the day.

The app offers a sharing feature letting users share glucose levels and alerts with designated share partners, such as family members or caregivers. Simplera also integrates with the Apple Watch, allowing users to access glucose data directly from their wrist for quick and easy monitoring.

Blood glucose alerts are simple

One of the standout features of the Simplera is its alert system. The device provides customizable alerts for both high and low glucose levels. Users can set specific thresholds for these alerts, ensuring they’re tailored to individual needs and preferences.

During my two weeks of use, I found the alarms to be a helpful addition to my diabetes management routine. The notifications were timely and noticeable without being overly disruptive, allowing me to take immediate action when needed. Whether I was engaged in activities or simply relaxing at home, the alarms kept me informed of any important changes in my glucose levels. 

Unlike Dexcom, there was no option to customize the ringtone for alerts. I would like to see Medtronic offer more sound options in the future which could be helpful for identifying which alert is which.

How Simplera’s accuracy holds up against the competition

Accuracy is crucial when it comes to glucose monitoring, and I was eager to see how Simplera would perform. I wore the Simplera, Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 throughout a week of testing alongside frequent finger sticks, and I found the readings to be consistently accurate.

Simplera advertises a Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) of approximately 10.1%. This measurement of accuracy is slightly worse than Dexcom G7’s of 8.2% and the Dexcom G6’ s of 9%, so I expected my results to be less accurate. I’m happy to report that throughout my testing, Simplera provided reliable data when compared to both of these sensors, and my finger sticks. I’m looking forward to conducting more tests and fine-tuning when I try Simplera again, but my initial results are very promising.

Where Simplera is available and where it goes next

The stand-alone Simplera CGM was approved by the FDA in August 2024 and is anticipated to launch in the US in early 2025, presumably once it’s cleared for use alongside the InPen. As for current availability, Simplera is available in several countries, including Canada and certain regions throughout Europe. Customers in the UK are reporting that Simplera Sync, the version meant for the MiniMed 780g pump, is beginning to release for those aged 7. I’m excited for all users to get their hands on this much more simplified product and to see how they respond!

The future of Simplera – what’s next?

While I’m excited about Medtronic’s latest CGM, I can’t help but wonder if it will live a short life — like its wear-time. Medtronic recently partnered with Abbott to develop a new CGM for Medtronic devices, powered by Libre technology. This upcoming CGM is expected to offer longer wear times and enhanced accuracy, potentially helping Medtronic become more competitive in the space.

The new CGM will be produced by Abbott and sold and distributed by Medtronic. For my full breakdown of the upcoming CGM and what it may mean for Medtronic users, watch my YouTube video below.

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