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Medtronic 670G Insulin Pump on Safe Basal Screen with no sensor data

Medtronic 670g Insulin Pump occasionally loses Sensor Glucose (SG)

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Lin May

Disclaimer: This website and blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Read full disclaimer.

The above photo is of my Medtronic 670g Minimed Insulin Pump when it isn’t getting a signal from the Guardian CGM.  This can happen occasionally, and Medtronic’s instructions are to move the pump closer to the transmitter.  This does NOT mean that the transmitter battery needs charging.

The first time I saw this, I assumed that there was an issue with the transmitter battery. That was not the case!

There are lots of reasons this can happen, but generally the advice is to move the pump closer to the sensor.

I find this happens frequently when using an electric blanket.  I like to snuggle up on the couch with an electric blanket.  Because of this issue, I’ve started clipping the insulin pump to the top of my sweatshirt when using the electric blanket, so that the blanket is not covering it.

This happens occasionally when not wearing an electric blanket, but most of the time it recovers the signal without me doing anything.

This mode is called “Safe Basal” and you can read more about it on Medtronic’s Safe Basal support page.  It will stay in that mode for up to 30 minutes without sensor glucose (SG) data.

Relax and take another look at it in 5-10 minutes

Most likely, it’ll get the signal back!   If this is a continual issue for you, you may want to talk to Medtronic support.

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3 responses to “Medtronic 670g Insulin Pump occasionally loses Sensor Glucose (SG)”

  1. Kelly Knighton

    I stumbled upon this blog and I have been binge reading all morning. Amazing to hear someone else is in a similar situation. I was diagnosed LADA 2 1/2 years ago at age 52. Your early story is VERY similar to mine. I got my first CGM last week. Amazing device and eye opening. Not on insulin yet but with your insights I’m considering it. I was diagnosed LADA at the start but my endocrinologist’s PA didn’t seem to know much so I went back to my Family doctor. He means well but I think I can be doing better. He says I’m still in the honeymoon phase. Still using metformin and my A1C is good. The thought of the insulin path gives me anxiety. Your blog has helped me realize insulin may be needed and just maybe I can do this. It feels therapeutic just commenting here. My family tries to be understanding and patient but for the first time I don’t feel alone in this journey. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your journey and helping me realize there can be hope.

    Reply
    1. lin

      Thank you for taking the time to comment! It will encourage me to keep writing! Glad you feel less alone in this journey. :). Yes, this is quite a journey but we live in a good time to have this condition.

      Reply
  2. Don

    I just went through an episode with a lost signal complaint . I had a month old transmitter and after going through 8 sensors in 10 days Medtronic finally decided to send me another transmitter.Now I can leave my pump in another room while I shower 20 feet away and still have a signal .If you are loosing the signal insist that they replace it unless it is over a year old.They will because they know they have a problem with them.

    Reply

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