As Australia prepares for the nationwide shutdown of the 3G community by main telecommunications suppliers from October 28, Diabetes Australia is reminding individuals with diabetes and their carers to examine whether or not their medical units, similar to steady glucose screens (CGMs), depend on 3G connectivity.
The shutdown could disrupt the power of some units to ship or obtain information. Nonetheless, it’s believed that almost all Australians’ glucose information transmitters at the moment are linked by Bluetooth.
CGMs can use cell networks to transmit blood glucose information or alerts to smartphones, healthcare suppliers, or caregivers. If these units are solely appropriate with 3G expertise, the lack of service may result in delays in receiving crucial well being data or warnings of excessive or low blood glucose ranges.
For a small variety of individuals whose units should not linked to Bluetooth and who shall be affected by the shutdown, this might current a threat.
Those that are not sure about their gear’s connectivity are inspired to examine the compatibility of their machine and phone their healthcare suppliers or machine producer for steerage on upgrading if needed.
Australia’s Therapeutic Items Administration (TGA) advises that units which can be impacted by the decommissioning of the 3G community embody:
- Glucose information transmitters
- Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD)
- CPAP remedy machines
- Cardiac resynchronisation remedy monitoring units
- Telehealth units
- Wearable well being screens
Others not regulated by the TGA but in addition probably impacted by the shutdown embody:
- Private security pendants
- Fall detection techniques
- Residence safety alarms
- GPS monitoring units
- Automated treatment dispensers
The transition to newer 4G and 5G networks will enhance connectivity and provide quicker information switch. Nonetheless, individuals with older units that aren’t appropriate with these networks could must improve to keep away from disruptions.
To keep away from potential points, Diabetes Australia recommends that individuals overview their machine specs, attain out to their machine producers, and guarantee they’ve entry to different strategies for managing their diabetes, similar to guide glucose checks or backup units.
For extra data and steerage on the 3G shutdown and its affect on diabetes administration, go to the TGA web site or contact your healthcare supplier.
