Check your device connectivity ahead of 3G network shutdown

As Australia prepares for the nationwide shutdown of the 3G community by main telecommunications suppliers from October 28, Diabetes Australia is reminding folks with diabetes and their carers to test whether or not their medical gadgets, corresponding to steady glucose displays (CGMs), depend on 3G connectivity.

The shutdown might disrupt the power of some gadgets to ship or obtain knowledge. Nonetheless, it’s believed that the majority Australians’ glucose knowledge transmitters at the moment are linked by Bluetooth.

CGMs can use cell networks to transmit blood glucose knowledge or alerts to smartphones, healthcare suppliers, or caregivers. If these gadgets are solely appropriate with 3G know-how, the lack of service might result in delays in receiving vital well being info or warnings of excessive or low blood glucose ranges.

For a small variety of folks whose gadgets are usually not linked to Bluetooth and who shall be affected by the shutdown, this might current a danger.

Those that are not sure about their tools’s connectivity are inspired to test the compatibility of their gadget and call their healthcare suppliers or gadget producer for steering on upgrading if essential.

Australia’s Therapeutic Items Administration (TGA) advises that gadgets which can be impacted by the decommissioning of the 3G community embrace:  

• Glucose knowledge transmitters  
• Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) 
• CPAP remedy machines  
• Cardiac resynchronisation remedy monitoring gadgets 
• Telehealth gadgets  
• Wearable well being displays  

Others not regulated by the TGA but additionally doubtlessly impacted by the shutdown embrace: 

• Private security pendants 
• Fall detection techniques  
• Dwelling safety alarms  
• GPS monitoring gadgets  
• Automated remedy dispensers  

The transition to newer 4G and 5G networks will enhance connectivity and supply sooner knowledge switch. Nonetheless, folks with older gadgets that aren’t appropriate with these networks might have to improve to keep away from disruptions.

To keep away from potential points, Diabetes Australia recommends that folks assessment their gadget specs, attain out to their gadget producers, and guarantee they’ve entry to various strategies for managing their diabetes, corresponding to handbook glucose checks or backup gadgets.

For extra info and steering on the 3G shutdown and its affect on diabetes administration, go to the TGA web site or contact your healthcare supplier.