30 questions
GluBear is not a CGM and does not measure glucose. Your child's Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre still does that. GluBear is a CGM companion for kids: GluApp reads the existing CGM data and the teddy shows it as green (in range), yellow (check soon), and red (needs attention), plus gentle sounds. The CGM is the medical device and primary alarm. GluBear is the comfort and education layer beside it.
No. Keep Dexcom, Dexcom Follow, FreeStyle Libre, and LibreLinkUp alarms on. GluBear is a general-wellness secondary display, not an FDA-cleared medical device and not a primary alarm. It is HIPAA-compliant and COPPA-safe. Use GluApp for optional extra cues and trend viewing. Use the prescribed CGM for lows, highs, and overnight alerts. GluBear is not intended to replace primary CGM alarms or medical advice.
GluBear is designed to work with Dexcom (including G6 and G7 through Dexcom Share) and Abbott FreeStyle Libre (through LibreLinkUp). Families who already run Nightscout can connect that too. You do not add another sensor. GluApp pulls the same CGM data you already share with followers. Compatibility can expand; if your setup is unusual, email hello@myglubear.com before you pre-order.
Yes for comfort, with limits on the lights. The $29.99 plush-only GluBear is a diabetes stuffed animal with no tech, useful in a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes care package. GluApp can log fingerstick readings, meals, and insulin for the record. The smart bear's green / yellow / red lights follow live CGM data, so they need a connected Dexcom or Libre (or Nightscout). When a CGM starts, the same Launch Bundle becomes the CGM companion.
No. GluApp is a glucose management companion and diabetes app for kids' education, not an insulin dosing app, bolus calculator, or pump controller. It does not change Omnipod, Tandem, or pen settings. Insulin doses, carb counts, and pump programs stay with the prescribed devices and the care team. GluApp reads Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre data, shows trends to caregivers, and drives GluBear's lights. Use medical devices for glucose management decisions.
GluBear is built for kids who freeze at glucose checks. Instead of a number-heavy screen, the diabetes teddy bear uses squeezable ears and green, yellow, and red lights so a check feels like asking a friend, not a clinic task. Games and stories in GluApp and the Kids Zone practice the routine through play. It sits beside the CGM; it does not skip fingersticks or sensors the care team still needs. If fear or school refusal is intense, involve the diabetes care team.
It is designed for the emotional load of Type 1 diabetes, not as therapy. A plush CGM companion, calm color cues, and play can lower fear and pushback around checks for many kids. Parents view trends in GluApp without turning the teddy into a primary alarm. Coping with type 1 diabetes still includes sleep, school, and clinic support. If anxiety or burnout is taking over, talk with the child's endocrinology team or a pediatric mental-health clinician.
Yes, as a comfort companion, not as the school's medical plan. A school nurse, teacher, or grandparent can join GluApp as a follower (up to 10) to view trends and optional supplemental notifications. Keep Dexcom Follow or LibreLinkUp as the medical layer at school. A 504 plan, nurse protocol, and fast-acting carbs stay with the school. Do not rely on the teddy's lights or sounds for recess, bus, or clinic decisions.
Do not use GluBear as a night alarm. Overnight lows need the CGM's urgent-low alerts, Dexcom Follow / LibreLinkUp on a grown-up phone, and your care-team plan. GluApp has Quiet Hours and optional supplemental notifications; the teddy's lights and sounds are extra cues, not a substitute. Never turn off CGM alarms to 'use the bear instead.'
Yes. The parent account can invite followers (grandparents, the other household, a sitter, or school nurse), up to 10. Follower mode is free. You control who sees trends and optional extra notifications. This does not replace Dexcom Follow or LibreLinkUp; many families run both. Always rely on the child's CGM for primary medical alerts.
GluBear is for children with Type 1 diabetes. Kids use the plush and lights; games, stories, and education in GluApp sit beside that. Teens who already live on Dexcom Follow or a watch may want the app's education more than a teddy. Parental controls and a Parent PIN gate Settings in kids mode.
Yes. GluBear is a smart diabetes teddy bear for kids with Type 1 diabetes. A regular stuffed animal is comfort only. GluBear connects to the child's existing CGM through GluApp and shows real glucose as green, yellow, and red lights, with games and stories. It is a general-wellness secondary display, not a CGM, insulin pump, or primary alarm.
Jerry the Bear and Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes are classic teaching plushes: kids practice insulin, sites, and checks through pretend play. They are not connected to a real CGM. GluBear is the connected diabetes teddy bear: it links to Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre via GluApp and shows actual glucose as soft lights and sounds, plus a parent app and a free Kids Zone. Keep the classics for pretend play if you love them. Choose GluBear when you want live CGM status in a hug. Still not a CGM, pump, or primary alarm.
The child wears their prescribed CGM. GluApp receives those readings (Dexcom Share, LibreLinkUp, or Nightscout) and sends status to the smart teddy. GluBear glows green when in range, yellow when it is time to check soon, and red when attention is needed. Parents see trends in GluApp. This is blood sugar tracking for kids as a secondary display, not a new sensor. GluBear is not intended to replace primary CGM alarms or medical advice.
T1D wellness tracking here means family-facing glucose awareness next to medical care: trends, time-in-range style views, optional extra notifications, and kid education, not dosing. GluBear pairs that CGM companion view with lights a child can read. Glucose management decisions stay on the CGM, insulin plan, and clinic. Use export (AGP PDF, CSV) when the care team wants a report.
No. Pediatric diabetes management stays with the endocrinology team, CGM, insulin (pump or pens), carb counting, and your 504 plan. GluBear is an interactive smart teddy and GluApp is a parent companion: secondary lights, trend viewing, and education so kids understand care without a clinical dashboard. The CGM remains the primary source for medical alerts.
When CGM data is outside your family's target range, GluBear may glow yellow or red and play a gentle sound as a secondary cue. GluApp can send optional supplemental notifications to invited caregivers. Treat lows and highs with the care-team plan and the CGM's own alarms (fast carbs for lows, ketones/insulin guidance as prescribed). GluBear is not intended to replace primary CGM alarms or medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Lessons cover glucose, food, insulin, activity, checks, and feelings, plus how-tos for Dexcom, Libre, and Nightscout. Learn includes games, stories, and adventure play; the website Kids Zone has free games and stories without buying hardware. Content is built for Type 1 diabetes education for children, not as a replacement for a CDCES or clinic class.
Coping with type 1 diabetes is nights, school, sports, pizza, and the next low, plus the feelings around it. Young children cope better when they can name a feeling and find a grown-up, not when they have to read a dashboard. GluBear is play-first practice (lights, squeeze-ear check-ins, games, stories) beside the CGM. It does not replace a 504 plan, camp, or clinician. If fear, burnout, or school refusal is intense, talk with the diabetes care team.
Ask the parents what would help, learn that lows need fast carbs and that devices stay on, and skip medical advice that replaces their clinician. Useful support is showing up, covering a meal, or a practical gift: a comfort companion like GluBear, a book, or help with supplies. If the family invites you, GluApp follower mode lets you view trends. Always rely on the child's CGM for medical alerts.
Yes, for children who have (or will have) a CGM, or as a plush-only comfort gift. GluBear is a smart diabetes teddy that shows real CGM status with green, yellow, and red lights, plus games and stories. The Launch Bundle (smart bear + 12 months GluApp) is $174.99 after a $25 launch discount ($199.99 list). Plush-only is $29.99. It is a pre-order; expected delivery is 2027. It does not replace a CGM, insulin pump, primary alarms, or medical advice.
Good gifts for type 1 diabetes and gifts for T1D are comforting and usable in daily care, not another clinical gadget. GluBear is a pre-order smart teddy that shows real CGM lights, plus a $29.99 plush-only option. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends often choose it for birthdays, holidays, or a newly diagnosed care package. Pair any gift with the child's prescribed CGM and care-team plan. GluBear does not replace a CGM, insulin pump, primary alarms, or medical advice.
The Launch Bundle (smart GluBear + 12 months GluApp) is $199.99 with a $25 launch discount at checkout ($174.99 total). Standalone smart GluBear is $99.99 (GluApp billed separately). Plush-only, no tech, is $29.99. US shipping is $9.99 for the first item and $4.99 for each additional. Ships to the United States only. Smart bears include a 2-year warranty; plush-only includes 1 year. Pre-orders are open. Expected delivery is 2027. Confirm timing on the pre-order page or email hello@myglubear.com if you need a firm gift date.
Email hello@myglubear.com with your order number. Hardware charged on myglubear.com is refunded through Stripe: full refund if we have not shipped; 30 days after delivery for unused items (email first, then return). The Launch Bundle hardware follows that Stripe rule. The included 12 months of GluApp is an App Store / Google Play promo, not a Stripe refund. Cancel or manage GluApp in Apple or Google settings. Policy: https://myglubear.com/refund
The plush-only bear does not. Smart GluBear needs GluApp to show live CGM lights. Hardware is a one-time purchase. GluApp is free for 30 days from the App Store or Google Play, then $8.99/month. Launch Bundle pre-orders include 12 months of GluApp premium as a promotional offer at app setup. Cancel in Apple or Google subscription settings if you do not want renewal after that.
Yes. GluApp (30-day trial, then $8.99/month) works as a parent companion for CGM trends, followers, education, and games without the plush. The website Kids Zone is free. The green / yellow / red lights exist only on the smart GluBear hardware.
GluApp is designed to be HIPAA-compliant and COPPA-safe. Glucose comes from CGM connections you authorize (Dexcom Share, LibreLinkUp, or Nightscout). Data is encrypted in transit and at rest. We do not sell personal health information. Only the parent account and people you invite as followers can view trends in GluApp. You can export or request deletion under in-app data-rights settings. Website shop accounts are separate from GluApp health data.
School nights and overnight lows are a CGM-and-care-team problem first. Keep Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre urgent-low alerts on, and Dexcom Follow or LibreLinkUp on a grown-up phone. A 504 plan, nurse protocol, and fast-acting carbs stay with the school. GluBear lights are a secondary cue, not a night alarm and not a recess alarm. Never turn off CGM alerts to use the teddy instead.
Yes, as a companion, not as a second sensor. GluApp is designed to read Dexcom data through Dexcom Share, including G7 and G6. The child still wears the prescribed G7. GluBear shows green, yellow, and red lights from that same share. Keep G7 alarms and Follow as the medical layer. Email hello@myglubear.com if your Share setup is unusual.
Ask the parents first. A useful gift is one they can actually use in daily care. The Launch Bundle (smart GluBear + 12 months GluApp, $174.99 after launch discount) is the connected option if the child has or will have a CGM. Plush-only ($29.99) is a comfort gift with no lights or app. Do not buy a GluBear as a stand-in for a CGM, pump, or clinic plan. Pre-order; expected delivery is 2027.
GluBear is a general-wellness and educational device and a secondary CGM display and comfort companion. GluBear is not intended to replace primary CGM alarms or medical advice.