General FAQ

When the BG meter displays the error message ""Blood drop is too small"" and the test result cannot be displayed, discard the test strip from which you applied blood and use a new test strip to obtain enough blood and repeat the test.

Apply blood to the yellow edge of the test strip, do not apply blood above the yellow range.

The lancing device is intended for one person only. If other people use your lancing device, they are at increased risk of cross-contamination. You should not share the lancing device with other people.

The following methods help blood circulation and blood collection:

Wash your hands with warm water and soap to warm your fingers before taking blood. Remember to wash and dry your fingers.
Keep your arms straight, causing blood to flow to your fingertips.
Hold the area below the finger joints facing the fingertips, gently massage in the direction of the fingertip, and then press for 3 seconds.
You can also adjust the Accu-Chek lancing device to a higher resolution to achieve a sufficient amount of blood.

The following methods help blood circulation and blood collection:

Wash your hands with warm water and soap to warm your fingers before taking blood. Remember to wash and dry your fingers.
Keep your arms straight, causing blood to flow to your fingertips.
Hold the area below the finger joints facing the fingertips, gently massage in the direction of the fingertip, and then press for 3 seconds.
You can also adjust the Accu-Chek lancing device to a higher penetration depth to allow sufficient blood to be obtained.

The following methods help blood circulation and blood collection:

Wash your hands with warm water and soap to warm your fingers before taking blood. Remember to wash and dry your fingers.
Keep your arms straight, causing blood to flow to your fingertips.
Hold the area below the finger joints facing the fingertips, gently massage in the direction of the fingertip, and then press for 3 seconds.
You can also adjust the Accu-Chek lancing device to a higher penetration depth to allow sufficient blood to be obtained.

Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the BG meter;
Press the black film in the middle of the two batteries to release the batteries, then remove the old batteries from both sides;
Place 2 new batteries with the "+" side facing up;
Close the battery compartment cover.

The Accu-Chek Guide BG meter uses 2 pieces of CR2032 Lithium Coin Battery.
The following battery brands are recommended: Panasonic/Energizer/Duracell/Sony.

No, the BG meter data is saved.

When the battery symbol appears on the BG meter display, it indicates the battery is almost empty; replace it as soon as possible.

Lancets should not be reused! After use, the lancet may cause a wound infection due to bacterial growth. Also, used needles can become less sharp as they wear out, increasing the pain of obtaining blood. Therefore, always discard the lancet after it has been used and replace it with a new lancet for safety and hygiene.

Do not use expired lancets as they may become unsterile and may lead to wound infection.

To avoid repeated use of lancet, used drums cannot be put back into the lancing device and are clearly marked with a red stripe, so please use up to 6 needles before replacing them with a new drum.

The Accu-Chek Softclix Lancing Device should be used with a Accu-Chek Softclix lancet manufactured by the original manufacturer in order to provide quality assurance.

There may be other lancets available in the market claiming to be suitable for the Accu-Chek Softclix Lancing Device. These lancets are of varying quality and not only increase the pain of blood collection, but also some of them may not fit into the Accu-Chek Softclix Lancing Device appropriately, which may lead to damage of the Lancing Device and therefore are not recommended for use.

Lancets should not be reused! After use, the lancet may cause a wound infection due to bacterial growth. Also, used needles can become less sharp as they wear out, increasing the pain of obtaining blood. Therefore, always discard the lancet after it has been used and replace it with a new lancet for safety and hygiene.

Though BGM (Blood Glucose Monitoring) and CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) provide information about your glucose levels, there are some key differences:

Measuring frequency

The frequency of obtaining glucose values is different between using a BGM and CGM. Using a BGM, you might test your blood glucose levels several times a day, typically before meals and bedtime, depending on your type of diabetes and medication.
With CGM, your glucose level is measured continuously. The glucose values measured by the sensor in your skin are transmitted every 5 minutes and combined to create a glucose curve. You get a full picture of your glucose levels over the time you are wearing the sensor.

Measuring glucose levels in blood vs interstitial fluid

BGM and CGM also differ in where the glucose values are measured. BGM measures glucose in capillary blood drawn from your fingertips (or sometimes other places like the palm of your hand). The sensor of the CGM solution, in contrast, is placed in your skin, more specifically, in the fat layer below the skin (subcutaneous fat tissue). There, your glucose level is measured in the fluid between the cells (interstitial fluid, not blood).

Accu-Chek SmartGuide device
- Adults, 18 years of age and older
- People with diabetes
- Caregivers of people with diabetes

Accu-Chek SmartGuide app
-Adults, 18 years of age and older
-People with diabetes
-Caregivers of people with diabetes

Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app
-Adults, 18 years of age and older
-Patients diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
-Using flexible insulin regimes, e.g., multiple daily injections or CSII therapy.

Yes, the Accu-Chek SmartGuide CGM solution can be used during pregnancy.

Every 5 minutes the CGM sensor sends glucose values to the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app. The app communicates with the sensor via Bluetooth Low Energy. Each sensor has a wear time of up to 14 days and requires calibration using a blood glucose meter. The Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app enhances this feature set by collecting and using data from the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app to enable glucose predictions and glucose pattern detection.

Accu-Chek SmartGuide app
The Accu-Chek SmartGuide app continuously monitors your real-time glucose values from the Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor and displays the information on your smartphone or smartwatch. The app receives, stores, and processes your CGM data wirelessly, via Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity. You can customize your settings and glucose alarms.

Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app
The Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app collects and uses information from the Accu- Chek SmartGuide sensor.

The app enhances the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app feature set by providing you with a good estimate of your upcoming glucose values and allows you to set reminders when certain pattern trends are revealed.

You can seamlessly transition between the apps using an app switch button available in both apps.

The overall MARD (Mean Absolute Relative Deviation) of the Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor is 9.2 %. 
For more information see the chapter "Technical Data" in the User's Manual.

There are 2 modes of CGM values: Trend Mode and Therapy Mode.

The mode the sensor is currently in is indicated directly below the CGM value on the Home screen.

When the sensor is in Trend Mode the following applies:

- CGM values should not be used to make therapy decisions, such as insulin dosing.
- CGM values can be used only to see trends and as a general reference.
- To make therapy decisions, such as insulin dosing, test your blood glucose with your blood glucose meter.
- When the sensor in is Therapy Mode the following applies: CGM values can be used to make therapy decisions, such as insulin dosing.

The sensor requires calibration to provide you with the most accurate readings possible:

An uncalibrated sensor will be in Trend Mode. You can see CGM values but should not use them for therapy decisions.
A calibrated sensor will be in Therapy Mode. You can use the confirmed values to make decisions (such as insulin dosing).
The sensor mode appears under the CGM value on the Home screen.

The calibration routine consists of two steps:

After a warm-up time of 1 hour, the sensor is in Trend Mode, and sends CGM values to the app every 5 minutes. Don't use these initial CGM values to make therapy decisions, such as insulin dosing. 12 hours after insertion of the sensor, the app prompts you to calibrate.

Step 1: Perform a blood glucose test and enter the glucose value into the app. The sensor goes into Therapy Mode. CGM values can now be used to make therapy decisions, such as insulin dosing.

Step 2: 30 minutes to 3 hours later, perform another blood glucose test and enter the glucose value into the app. This is to confirm the first measurement. Note: If step 2 is missed, the sensor returns to Trend Mode.

The calibration routine is completed for the sensor.

To calibrate your sensor:

1. Test your blood glucose with your blood glucose meter, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Tap Calibrate Now on your Home screen.
3. Enter the glucose value from your blood glucose meter in the Calibrate screen. The glucose value should be entered no later than 3 minutes after performing the test.
4. Tap Save.
5. Check that you entered the same glucose value into the app that was displayed on your blood glucose meter and tap Confirm.

The glucose measurements of the sensor are more accurate if you calibrate at a point in time when your blood glucose level is relatively stable. Do not calibrate shortly after a meal, after insulin administration, or after physical activity, and avoid environments with very hot or very cold temperatures, or rapidly changing temperatures. If you accidentally entered an incorrect value, tap Cancel and enter the correct value. Your sensor is calibrated.

Yes, the Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor has an initial calibration routine, consisting of 2 steps.

The Accu-Chek SmartGuide app is intended for display and read-out of real-time glucose values from a connected Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor.

Shows actual and historical glucose values (time course) as well as trend arrows
Receives, stores & processes CGM data wirelessly
Customisable settings & alarms
Smart in-app notifications
Diary to log events (e.g., carbs, insulin)
Initial calibration routine & sensor replacement reminder
Retrospective CGM data analysis (Ambulatory Glucose Profile, AGP)
Works with iOS & Android

If you do not have cellular or Wi-Fi access, the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app continues to receive data from your paired CGM sensor, displays your data, and sends notifications that you have set up.

These app features are not available-without cellular or Wi-Fi access:

- data sharing with your Accu-Chek account or healthcare provider (if sharing is set up)

- your recent data displayed in the Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app

The Accu-Chek SmartGuide app receives new glucose values from the paired sensor every 5 minutes and is always updating to show the latest data. You should look at the CGM app at least as often as you would measure your blood glucose with a BGM. Also check your CGM value if you are not feeling well. Discuss with your HCP about when and how often you should check your glucose levels via your CGM app.

The Accu-Chek SmartGuide app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store or Apple Store (depending on your smartphone’s operating system).

Yes, the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app is available for Android and iOS. The Accu-Chek SmartGuide app supports these operating systems:

- Android 11 or higher

- iOS 15.3 or higher

Also refer to link to compatibility list on Instructions for use (IFU) website as soon as available.

The Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app collects and uses information from the Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor and CGM app (required) and offers predictive tools.

The main features are:

Glucose Predict: general prediction within the next two hours

Low Glucose Soon notification: hypoglycaemia prediction within the next 30 minutes

Night low predict: predicts the chance of having a low glucose during the night (defined as a 7-hour time period)

Glucose Patterns: automatic glucose pattern detection (a retrospective, not predictive, feature)

If your smartphone is in power-saving mode, the Accu-Chek SmartGuide apps may no longer be able to communicate with the sensor. Also a blood glucose meter for calibration and as backup is needed.

You can use two apps with the Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor:

- the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app

- the Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app (uses the CGM data from the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app)

There can be various reasons for identified glucose patterns. When the app determines the root causes of certain glucose patterns, it offers a few suggestions. However, you should always discuss your specific diabetes profile and the associated therapy with your diabetes care team before you make any comprehensive adjustments. Also refer to link to training website pattern detection.

If you get a Night Low Forecast, which predicts a potential nocturnal hypo, then there is a high chance (>30%) of having low glucose (below 3.9 mmol/L) during the night.

To minimize the risk of a nighttime hypo, either eat a snack containing complex carbohydrates (like a cereal bar) or prepare so you can react quickly during the night. All treatment decisions should be discussed with your diabetes care team. Also refer to link auf prediction training content.

At the time of launch, the Accu-Chek SmartGuide CGM sensor and the apps only work within the Accu-Chek environment.
The CGM sensor sends the CGM data via Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity to the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app.

The CGM sensor sends the CGM data via Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity to the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app.
The Accu-Chek SmartGuide app sends the CGM data to the Accu-Chek Care platform backend/cloud, and there is no direct interface from the app to third-party software.

However, the Accu-Chek Care platform cloud might interface with third-party software, e.g., to EMR or HIS systems.

No, you do not need to create separate accounts for both apps. You will log into the Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app with the same Accu- Chek Care account that you created for the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app.

When you are logged in to both apps, you can switch between the two easily with one tap.

Data is stored in both apps as long as they are used on the phone. CGM data cannot be deleted from within the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app. Manually entered logbook records, as long as they were not used for calibration, can be deleted if desired.

If you have stopped using the Accu-Chek SmartGuide CGM solution and want to delete your account and data, go to the Account screen in the app menu (either the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app or Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app) and choose Delete Account. Follow the steps on the screens to delete your account.

If you want to delete data from your phone because you have stopped using the solution, you must delete the apps.

If your diabetes care team uses the Accu-Chek Care platform, you can allow them to see your data in the Accu-Chek Care platform by sharing the access pin code displayed in your Accu- Chek SmartGuide app under “Managed Account”.

If your diabetes care team does not use the Accu-Chek Care platform, you can send them a report via email. In the Accu- Chek SmartGuide Predict app, generate a PDF of a 2-week report. Select the date range and which details are included in the report, such as the standard Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) and/or a pattern report that lists all glucose patterns found during these 2 weeks, e.g., hypos in the morning, hypers in the evening etc.