Q: What's the difference between CGMS and Guardian^® RT?
A: Although both devices use similar proven technology to measure glucose, they meet very distinct needs. CGMS is a 'glycaemic holter' providing unbiased patient data to professional health care providers. Such 24hour glucose profiles facilitate faster and better treatment adjustments than based on finger stick values and HbA1c alone. Guardian^® RT benefits first and foremost people with diabetes suffering from hypo-unawareness and/or rapid blood glucose fluctuations providing real time glycemic values and settable alarms. It can provide peace of mind, contribute to better overall glycemic control, and serve as a powerful electronic 'diabetes diary' when used continuously.

Q: Will your patients still need a standard monitor?
A: Yes, the Guardian^® RT is not intended to replace finger stick testing, just to supplement it with an additional 288 glucose readings a day. It helps to catch any excursions that your patients have between finger stick tests. They will also need a standard monitor to calibrate the Guardian^® RT system a minimum of two times a day.

Q: How long can your patients wear the sensor?
A: They can wear the Guardian^® RT system continuously, as long as they replace the sensor every three days.

Q: Can my patients shower or bathe while wearing the Guardian^® RT system?
A: The Guardian transmitter (the part that is taped to the skin) is water resistant. This means that your patients can shower while wearing it, but they cannot bathe or swim with it. The monitor must be kept dry at all times. It has to be left just outside the shower and it will continue to collect glucose readings.

Q: Can my patients exercise with the Guardian^® RT system?
A: Yes, the Guardian^® RT system will not be affected by motion or sweat.

Q: Will the Guardian^® RT system cause skin irritation?
A: The Guardian^® RT system is designed to be worn comfortably by individuals of all ages, including the very young whose skin is more sensitive. They might experience minor redness or irritation when the sensor is first inserted, but that goes away quickly.

Q: Does the Guardian^® RT system display real-time glucose readings?
A: Yes, the Guardian^® RT system does display real-time glucose values.

Q: Does the Guardian^® RT system store other information?
A: Event markers, including amounts of carbohydrate intake, Units of insulin, and duration of exercise can be entered into the monitor. The events that your patients enter will appear in the downloaded reports with the continuous glucose readings for retrospective analysis.

Q: How loud is the Guardian^® RT system's alarm?
A: The alarm can be set at three different levels, the loudest of which is 50 decibels at one meter. The alarm can also be set to the vibrate mode.

Q: How much does the Guardian^® RT system cost?
A: Please contact your local Medtronic MiniMed representative. Addresses of worldwide locations can be found on the left bar.

Q: Will the Guardian system be reimbursed?
A: Initially, reimbursement will not be available. We're working on it together with the reimbursement authorities in your country.

Q: Are there interferences with general appliances?
A: The monitor is designed to meet all IEC standards for electromagnetic interference. The monitor should withstand common electrostatic and electromagnetic interference, such as airport X-rays or metal detectors and store anti-theft security devices. However, using the monitor in close distance to strong electromagnetic sources is not recommended.

Q: Are there interferences with other medical equipment?
A: Do not place the Monitor in direct contact with X-rays or other medical or industrial imaging equipment. If a user is scheduled to have an X-ray, CT or MRI scan, take off sensor, transmitter and monitor. Put in new sensor after procedure.

Q: In which languages will Guardian displays be available?
A: Initially, Guardian will be available in English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish, Italian and Dutch.

Q: When will the Guardian^® RT system be available in my country?
A: Guardian^® RT is currently under clinical investigation and we expect to be able to commercialize it early 2005 in Europe.

Download brochure
Click here to download a pdf brochure in English.

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Register here to receive more information about Guardian^® RT when the system becomes available.

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