My type 1 · My tech setup

My tech setup

The setup I use every day, as of October 2026, and why I use each piece.

My setup todayThe core · all you need

On my armDexcom G7Reads my glucose every 5 minutes
On my iPhoneZukkaReads the sensor and sounds my alarms
On my wristApple WatchMy number and alarms, at a glance

Zukka uploads, if you want it

OptionalNightscoutMy own site in the cloud. Skip it and the core still works.

Coll. Haley Maddox · Oct 2026Next: Type 1 questions →

Just a reminder
My diabetes care is managed in close partnership with my care team. This page shares what works for me. It isn't medical advice. Talk with your own doctor or diabetes care team before you change anything about your care.

Start here

What is a Dexcom?

A Dexcom is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM): a small sensor you wear that reads your glucose day and night, with no finger pricks for routine checks.

5 minbetween readings, around the clock

SensorA tiny filament under the skin measures glucose in the fluid between cells.

TransmitterSends each reading to the phone by Bluetooth. On the G7 it is built into the sensor.

Phone appThe official Dexcom app shows the number, trend arrow, and graph, and sounds high and low alarms.

The big picture

How it all fits together

My phone does all the work. The Dexcom app and Zukka both read my sensor, Zukka alerts my watch and uploads to Nightscout, and everyone else follows from there.

Why I use what

Each piece, and why I use it

Count them: the Dexcom app, Zukka, Glooko, Nightscout, and SNAQ. Five apps to do the job of one pancreas, and I don’t even have the Omnipod app.

Sensor

Dexcom G7

My sensor. It reads my glucose every 5 minutes, day and night, with no finger pricks for routine checks. The transmitter is built in.

Why I use it: it's my prescribed sensor. I'm interested in trying a Libre!

Free app

Zukka

The app that runs it all on my phone. It's built on the open-source xDrip4iOS: it reads my sensor, sounds my alarms, feeds my watch, and uploads to Nightscout.

Why I use it: it has the best alerts and the best ways to see my numbers.

On my wrist

Apple Watch

My number, trend, and alarms without picking up my phone, straight from the G7 and from Zukka's alerts.

Every new sensor, I pair the Dexcom watch app to it (Pair to Sensor). The watch reads the G7 straight from the sensor, not through my phone, so it has to find each new one. That's what keeps my readings coming when my phone isn't with me.

Why I use it: it's always on me. If I leave my phone behind by accident, it still gets my Dexcom readings as a backup.

Optional · paid hosting

Nightscout

My own site in the cloud, made by parents of children with type 1. It's where my family follows from.

Why I use it: it stores everything. My one-year review comes from it.

My Nightscout setup article is on its way. Until then, Nightscout's own docs walk you through it.

Optional · my pump’s controller

Omnipod 5

The Omnipod 5 Controller is tech too: it connects to my Dexcom sensor, and it’s where I choose and deliver every bolus. I run it in manual mode, with Lantus as my basal.

Glooko

Where my Omnipod’s data ends up. It collects my pod data in one place.

Why I use it: it helps my pod data flow into Zukka, so it all shows up together.

The apps are free, and sensors are bought separately. The two things I pay for are Nightscout hosting and SNAQ Premium.

Make it yours

Setting up your own, or following mine?

Make your ownSet up your techThe same setup, step by step: Dexcom app, Zukka, Apple Watch, and every new sensor.Start setting up → LearnSo you have a lot of followers?Why following matters, your job as a follower, and the 3 ways to follow.Become a follower →

Also on my phone

SNAQ, the meal tracker

SNAQ estimates the carbs in a meal from a photo, then shows how that meal moved my glucose. My review, with a real meal, is on Bolusing →

Sources