Data Sources¶
Strimma supports four ways to receive glucose data. You choose one in Settings > Data Source.
Companion Mode (Default)¶
Strimma reads glucose values from your CGM app's notifications. This is the primary mode for most users.
How it works: Your CGM app (Dexcom, LibreLink, CamAPS FX, etc.) posts a notification with your glucose value. Strimma reads the notification, extracts the glucose value, and processes it.
Pros:
- Works with 50+ CGM app variants out of the box
- No extra configuration beyond notification access
- No interference with your CGM app or closed-loop system
- No separate Bluetooth connection needed
See: Companion Mode for details.
xDrip Broadcast Mode¶
Strimma receives glucose via xDrip-compatible broadcast intents.
How it works: Apps like xDrip+, Juggluco, or AndroidAPS can broadcast glucose values as Android intents. Strimma listens for the com.eveningoutpost.dexdrip.BgEstimate broadcast.
Pros:
- Direct data path (no notification parsing)
- Works with any app that broadcasts xDrip-compatible intents
- Useful if your CGM app's notifications aren't being parsed correctly
See: xDrip Broadcast for details.
Nightscout Follower Mode¶
Strimma polls a remote Nightscout server for glucose readings.
How it works: Strimma periodically requests new readings from a Nightscout server's API. This is for people who want to see someone else's glucose (caregiver, parent, partner).
Pros:
- Remote monitoring — no CGM app needed on this phone
- Configurable poll interval (30s to 5 min)
- Automatic backfill on first connection
See: Nightscout Follower for details.
LibreLinkUp Mode¶
Strimma polls Abbott's LibreLinkUp sharing API for glucose readings from Libre 3 sensors.
How it works: You enter your LibreLinkUp credentials in Strimma. Strimma polls the LibreLinkUp API every 60 seconds, retrieves glucose readings, and processes them — no third-party apps beyond the Libre 3 app required.
Pros:
- Direct connection to Abbott's cloud — no notification parsing or intermediary apps
- Automatic regional API detection (EU, US, AU, etc.)
- Supports Nightscout push (unlike Nightscout Follower)
- Simple setup — just email and password
See: LibreLinkUp for details.
Comparison¶
| Feature | Companion | xDrip Broadcast | Nightscout Follower | LibreLinkUp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Needs CGM app on phone | Yes | Depends on source app | No | Yes (Libre 3) |
| Needs Nightscout server | No (optional for push) | No (optional for push) | Yes | No (optional for push) |
| Latency | Near-instant | Near-instant | Poll interval (30s–5m) | ~60s |
| Push to Nightscout | Yes | Yes | No (already on NS) | Yes |
| Supported CGM apps | 50+ variants | Any xDrip-compatible | Any Nightscout-connected | Libre 3 only |
| Best for | Most users | xDrip+/AAPS/Juggluco users | Caregivers, remote monitoring | Libre 3 users without third-party apps |
Switching Data Sources¶
When you switch data sources in settings:
- The previous source is stopped (notification listener detached, broadcast receiver unregistered, or follower polling stopped)
- The new source is started
- Existing readings in the database are preserved
- The switch takes effect immediately
Only one source at a time
Strimma only receives data from one source at a time. If you switch to Follower mode, Companion mode stops — even if your CGM app is still posting notifications.