# Completing the Objectives

**AAPS** has a series of **objectives** that you need to complete to progress from basic open looping to hybrid closed looping and full **AAPS** functionality. Completing the **objectives** ensures:

* You have configured everything correctly in your **AAPS** setup
* You have learned about the essential features of **AAPS** 
* You have a basic understanding of what your system is doing, and therefore why you can trust it.


```{admonition} Note
:class: note

Regularly export your **AAPS** settings after completing each **objective**!
```

We strongly recommend that you  [export your settings](../Usage/ExportImportSettings.md) after completing each **objective**. This exporting process creates a **settings** (.json) file which you should keep backed-up in one or more safe places (_e.g._ Google Drive, hard disk, email attachment _etc._). This ensures that you keep your progress through the **objectives**, and if you accidentally delete your progress, you can simply re-load it by importing a recent settings file. Having a backup **settings** file is also required if you want to change your **AAPS** smartphone for any reason (upgrading/lost/broken phone _etc._)

The **settings** file will save not only your progress through the objectives, but also your own customised **AAPS** settings such as **max bolus** _etc._  

If you do not have a backup copy of your **settings**, if anything happens to your **AAPS** smartphone you will need to start the **objectives** from the beginning again. 

Overall the **objectives** take around 6 weeks to complete (see [how long will it take?](preparing-how-long-will-it-take?) for a detailed breakdown) from configuring **AAPS** on your smartphone to "basic" hybrid closed looping (from objective 1 to objective 8), so, although you _can_ proceed up to **objective 5** using a **virtual pump** (and using some other method of insulin delivery in the meantime), having to re-complete all the **objectives** because for example, you lost your smartphone, is still something you really want to avoid. 

As well as progressing through the **objectives**, if you want, you can also remove your progress and [go back to an earlier objective](Objectives-go-back-in-objectives). 

## Objective 1: Setting up visualization and monitoring, analysing basals and ratios

- **AAPS** checks if your basic technical setup is working.

If not you have to reconfigure until the basic technical setup works for **AAPS**. 

- Select the correct CGMS/FGMS in [Config Builder](../Configuration/Config-Builder.md).  See [BG Source](../Configuration/BG-Source.md) for more information.
- Select the correct Pump in [Config Builder](../Configuration/Config-Builder.md) to ensure your pump can communicate with AAPS. Select **virtual pump** if you are using a pump model with no **AAPS** driver for looping, or if you want to work through the early **objectives** while using another system for insulin delivery. See [insulin pump](../Getting-Started/Pump-Choices.md) for more information.
- Follow instructions in [Nightscout](../Installing-AndroidAPS/Nightscout.md) page to ensure **Nightscout** can receive and display this data.
- Note that URL in **NSClient** must be **_without_ "/api/v1/"** at the end - see [NSClient settings in Preferences](Preferences-nsclient).

Note - *You may need to wait for the next sensor glucose reading to arrive before **AAPS** will recognise it.*

## Objective 2: Learn how to control AAPS

- Perform several actions in **AAPS** as described in this **objective**.
- Click on the orange text "Not completed yet" to access the to-dos.
- Links will be provided to guide you, in case you are not familiar with a specific action yet.

  ![Screenshot objective 2](../images/Objective2_V2_5.png)
- Tasks to complete **Objective 2** are:
  - Set your profile to 90% for a duration of 10 min (_Hint_: Long press your profile name on the OVERVIEW screen) (_Note_: AAPS does not accept basal rates below 0.05U/hr. If your profile includes any rates 0.06U/hr or lower you will need to create a new profile with higher basal rates before completing this task. Switch back to your normal profile after completing this task.)      
  - Simulate "taking a shower" by disconnecting your pump in **AAPS** for a duration of 1h (_Hint_: press the loop icon on the OVERVIEW screen to open the Loop dialogue)
  - End "taking a shower" by reconnecting your pump (_Hint_: press the "disconnected"-icon to open the loop dialog)
  - Create a custom temporary target with a duration of 10 min (_Hint_: press the target bar on the OVERVIEW screen to bring up the temporary target dialog)
  - Activate the **ACTIONS** plugin in **CONFIG BUILDER** to make it appear on the top scrollable menu bar (_Hint_: Go to **CONFIG BUILDER** and scroll down to 'General")
  - Display the LOOP plugin's content
  - Scale the BG-Chart to be able to look at larger or smaller timeframes: toggling between 6h, 12h, 18h 24h of past data (_Hint_: Tap the chart)

(Objectives-objective-3-prove-your-knowledge)=

## Objective 3: Prove your knowledge

- Pass a multiple-choice exam testing your **AAPS** knowledge.

Some users find **Objective 3** to be the most difficult objective to complete. Please do read the **AAPS** documents in conjunction with the questions. If you are genuinely stuck after researching the **AAPS** documents, please search the [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/AndroidAPSUsers) group for "Objective 3" (because it is likely that your question has been asked- and answered - before). If you are still stuck, ask in a post on either the [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/AndroidAPSUsers) or [Discord](https://discord.gg/4fQUWHZ4Mw) group. These groups can provide friendly hints, or redirect you to the relevant part of the **AAPS** documents.

To proceed with **Objective 3**, click on the orange text “**Not completed yet**” to access the relevant question. Please read each question carefully and select your answer(s).

- To reduce the number of decisions you are asked to make while in Open Loop, set a wide target range _e.g._ 90 - 150 mg/dl or 5.0 - 8.5 mmol/l.

- You might want to set a wider upper limit, or even disable Open Loop, at night.

For each question, there may be more than one answer that is correct! If an incorrect answer is selected, the question will be time-locked for a certain amount of time (60 minutes) before you can go back and answer the question again. Be aware that the order of the answers may have changed when you next try to answer, this is to make sure you read them carefully and really understand the validity (or not) of each response.

When **AAPS** is installed for the first time, you will have to complete the whole of **Objective 3** before moving on to **Objective 4**. Each objective is required to be completed in sequential order. New features will gradually be unlocked as progress is made through the objectives. 

```{admonition}  __What happens if new question(s) are added to an Objective when I update to a newer version of AAPS?__
:class: Note
From time to time, new features are added to **AAPS** which may require a new question to be added to the Objectives, particularly Objective 3. As a result, any new question added to **Objective 3** will be marked as “incomplete” because **AAPS** will require you to action this. Do not worry, as each **Objective** is independent, you will **not lose the existing functionality of AAPS**, providing the other Objectives remain completed.
```

## Objective 4: Starting on an open loop

The purpose of this objective is to recognise how often **AAPS** will evaluate the basal rate's impact on glucose levels, and recommend temporary basal rate adjustments. As part of this objective, you will activate open looping for the first time, and will perform 20 proposed temporary basal rate changes manually on your pump. Furthermore, you will observe temporary and default temporary targets' impact (_e.g._ for activity or hypo treatments). If you are not familiar with setting a temporay basal rate change in **AAPS** yet, please refer to the [ACTIONS tab](Screenshots#Screenshots-action-tab). 

Estimated time to complete this objective: **7 days**. This is a mandatory wait time. You can't proceed to the next Objective, even if you enacted all basal rate changes already.

- Select Open Loop either from the "Preferences" menu or by presssing and holding the Loop icon on the top left of the OVERVIEW screen.
- Walk through the [Preferences](../Configuration/Preferences.md) to set it up for you (scroll down to "Loop/APS Mode" and select "Open Loop".
- Manually enact at least 20 of the temporary basal rate suggestions over a period of 7 days; key them into your (physical) pump and confirm in AAPS that you have accepted them. Ensure these basal rate adjustments show up in AAPS and Nightscout.
- Enable [temp targets](../Usage/temptarget.md) if necessary. After treating a hypo use hypo temp targets to prevent the system from overcorrecting upon the bounce back.

### Reduce number of notifications

- To reduce the number of proposed basal rate changes while in Open Loop set a wider target range like 90-150 mg/dl or 5.0-8.5 mmol/l.
- You might even consider to raise your upper limit (or disable Open Loop) at night.
- You can set a minimum percentage for recommended basal rate changes to change the number of triggered notifications.

  ![Open Loop minimal request change](../images/OpenLoop_MinimalRequestChange2.png)

```{admonition} You don't need to action each and every system recommendation!
:class: Note
```

(Objectives-objective-5-Understanding-your-open-loop-including-its-temp-basal-recommendations)=

## Objective 5: Understanding your open loop, including its temp basal recommendations

As part of **Objective 5** you will start to understand how temporary basal recommendations are derived. This includes the [determination of basal logic](https://openaps.readthedocs.io/en/latest/docs/While%20You%20Wait%20For%20Gear/Understand-determine-basal.html), analyzing the impact by observing [prediction lines in AAPS OVERVIEW](Screenshots-prediction-lines)/Nightscout and looking at detailed calculations shown on your OPENAPS tab. 

Estimated time to complete this objective: 7 days.

This Objective requires you to determine and set your “Max U/h a temp basal can be set to” (max-basal) value as described in [OpenAPS-features](Open-APS-features#Open-APS-features-max-u-h-a-temp-basal-can-be-set-to-openaps-max-basal). This value can be set in Preferences > OpenAPS.
Make sure this safety setting is set in both **AAPS** and your insulin pump. 

You might want to set your target higher than usual until you are comfortable with the calculations and settings. 

**AAPS** allows:

- a low target to be a minimum of 4 mmol/l (72 mg/dl) or maximum of 10 mmol/l (180 mg/dl)
- a high target to be a minimum of 5 mmol/l (90 mg/dl) and maximum of 15 mmol/l (225 mg/dl)
- a temporary target as a single value can be anywhere in the range of 4 mmol/l to 15 mmol/l (72 mg/dl to 225 mg/dl)

Your target is a core value. All calculations are based on it. It is different from a target range which you usually aim to keep your blood glucose values in. If your target is very wide (say, 3 or more mmol/l [50 mg/dl or more] wide), you will often find little **AAPS** action. This is because sensor glucose is predicted to be somewhere in that wide range, and thus temporary basal rate changes are rarely suggested.

You may want to experiment with adjusting your targets being in a tighter range (say, 1 or less mmol/l [20 mg/dl or less] wide) and observe a resulting system behaviour.

You can adjust (widen or tighten) the graph’s green area, representing your target range, by entering different values in [Preferences](../Configuration/Preferences.md) > Overview > Range for Visualisation.

![Stop sign](../images/sign_stop.png)
```{admonition} If you have been using a virtual pump, change to a real insulin pump now!
:class: note

If you are open looping with a virtual pump stop here. Only click verify at the end of this Objective once you have changed to using a "real" physical pump.
```


![blank](../images/blank.png)

(Objectives-objective-6-starting-to-close-the-loop-with-low-glucose-suspend)=
## Objective 6: Starting to close the loop with Low Glucose Suspend

![Warning sign](../images/sign_warning.png)
```{admonition}  Closed loop will not correct high BG values in objective 6 as it is limited to low glucose suspend only!
:class: Note
You will still need to correct high BG values by yourself (manually with corrections by pump or pen)!
```

As part of **Objective 6** you will close the loop and activate its Low Glucose Suspend (LGS) mode while [max IOB](Open-APS-features-maximum-total-iob-openaps-cant-go-over-openaps-max-iob) is set to zero. You have to remain in LGS mode for 5 days to complete this objective. You should use this time to check if your profile settings are accurate and don't trigger LGS events too often. 

Estimated time to complete this objective: 5 days.

It's crucial that your current profile (basal, ISF, IC) is well tested before you close your loop in Low Glucose Suspend mode. Incorrect profile settings might force you into hypo situations which have be  treated manually. An accurate profile will help to avoid needing low glucose treatments during the 5 days period. 

**If you still observe frequent or severe low glucose episodes consider refining your DIA, basal, ISF and carb ratios.**

During objective 6, **AAPS** will take care of setting maxIOB to zero. **This override will be reversed when moving to objective 7.**

This means that when you are on Objective 6, if sensor glucose levels are dropping, **AAPS** will reduce basal insulin delivery for you. If sensor glucose levels are rising, **AAPS** will only increase the basal rate above your profile value if basal IOB is negative as a result of from a previous Low Glucose Suspend. Otherwise, **AAPS** will not increase basal above your current profile value, even if glucose levels are rising. This caution is to avoid hypos as you are learning to use **AAPS**. 

**As a consequence, you have to handle high glucose values with manual insulin bolus corrections.**

- If your basal IOB is negative (see screenshot below) a temporary basal rate (TBR) > 100% can be triggered in objective 6.

![Example negative IOB](../images/Objective6_negIOB.png)

- Set your target range slightly higher than you usually would aim at, just to be safe and to add a safety buffer.
- Enable 'Low Glucose Suspend' mode by pressing and holding the Loop icon at the top right corner of the OVERVIEW screen and selecting the Loop - LGS mode icon.
- Watch active temporary basals by looking at the turquoise basal text on the OVERVIEW screen or the turquoise basal render as part of the OVERVIEW graph.
- You may temporarily experience spikes following treated hypos without being able to increase basals on the rebound.

(Objectives-objective-7-tuning-the-closed-loop-raising-max-iob-above-0-and-gradually-lowering-bg-targets)=
## Objective 7: Tuning the closed loop, raising maxIOB above 0 and gradually lowering BG targets

To complete **Objective 7** you have to close your loop and raise your [maxIOB](Open-APS-features-maximum-total-iob-openaps-cant-go-over-openaps-max-iob). maxIOB was zeroed out automatically in **objective 6**. This is now reverted. **AAPS** will start to use your defined maxIOB value to correct high glucose values. 

Estimated time to complete this objective: 1 day. 

- Select 'Closed Loop' either from [Preferences](../Configuration/Preferences.md) or by pressing and holding the Loop icon at the top right corner of the OVERVIEW screen, over a period of 1 day.

- Raise your 'Maximum total IOB OpenAPS can’t go over' (in OpenAPS called 'max-iob') above 0. The default recommendation is "average mealbolus + 3x max daily basal" (for the SMB algorithm) or "3x max daily basal" (for the AMA algorithm) but you should slowly work up to this maximum until you know your settings work for you (max daily basal = the maximum hourly value in any time segment of the day).

This recommendation should be seen as a starting point. If you set it to the 3x and you are seeing AAPS giving too much insulin as glucose levels rise, then lower the "Maximum total IOB OpenAPS can’t go over" value. Alternatively, if you are very resistant, raise it very cautiously.

  ![max daily basal](../images/MaxDailyBasal2.png)

- Once confident on how much IOB suits your looping patterns, reduce your targets to your desired level.

(Objectives-objective-8-adjust-basals-and-ratios-if-needed-and-then-enable-autosens)=
## Objective 8: Adjust basals and ratios if needed, and then enable autosens

As part of this objective you will revist your profile's performance and will use autosens functionality as an indicator for wrong settings. 

Estimated time to complete this objective: 7 days.

- You can use [autotune](https://openaps.readthedocs.io/en/latest/docs/Customize-Iterate/autotune.html) as a one off to check your basals remain accurate or do a traditional basal test.
- Enable [autosens](../Usage/Open-APS-features.md) over a period of 7 days and watch OVERVIEW's graph white line showing your insulin sensitivity rising or falling due to exercise or hormones etc. and keep an eye on the OpenAPS report tab which shows **AAPS** adjusting the basals and/or targets accordingly.

(Objectives-objective-9-enabling-additional-oref1-features-for-daytime-use-such-as-super-micro-bolus-smb)=
## Objective 9: Enabling additional oref1 features for daytime use, such as super micro bolus (SMB)

In this objective you will tackle and use "Super Micro Bolus (SMB)" as one core functionality. After working through the mandatory readings you will have a good understanding of what SMBs are, how these work, reasonable starting point with SMBs and why basal is set to zero temporarily after SMBs are given (zero-temping). Estimated time to complete this objective: 28 days.

- The [SMB section in this documentation](Open-APS-features-super-micro-bolus-smb) and [oref1 coverage in the openAPSdocs](https://openaps.readthedocs.io/en/latest/docs/Customize-Iterate/oref1.html) are must-reads to understand SMB and the concept of zero-temping.
- Once done, you [raise maxIOB](Open-APS-features-maximum-total-iob-openaps-cant-go-over-openaps-max-iob) to get SMBs working well. maxIOB now includes all IOB, not just accumulated basal. This threshold pauses SMBs until IOB drops below this value (_e.g._ maxIOB is set to 7 U and a bolus of 8 U is given to cover a meal: SMBs will be paused and not given unless IOB drops below 7 U). A good start is setting maxIOB = average mealbolus + 3x max daily basal (max daily basal = the maximum hourly value in any time segment of the day - see [objective 7](Objectives-objective-7-tuning-the-closed-loop-raising-max-iob-above-0-and-gradually-lowering-bg-targets) as reference)
- Change "min_5m_carbimpact"-parameter (Preferences > Absorbtion settings > min_5m_carbimpact) to 8 as you move from an OpenAPS AMA algorithm to OpenAPS SMB. For AMAs the default value is 3. Read more about this setting [here](../Configuration/Preferences.html#min-5m-carbimpact) 

(Objectives-objective-10-automation)=
## Objective 10: Automation

You have to start **Objective 10** to be able to use Automations.
1) Read the documentation page  [Automation](../Usage/Automation.md) first.
2) Set-up the most basic automation rule;
for example trigger an Android notification in few minutes:
- Select the notification tab
- From the top right 3 dots menu, select add rule
- Give a task name "My first automation notification"
- "edit"  "condition"
   - click the "+" symbol to add the first trigger
   - select "Time"  & "OK", it will create a default entry AT TODAY HOUR:MINUTE
   - click the MINUTE portion to edit the time such that it triggers in a few minutes. Then click ok to close
   - click "ok"  to close the Triggers screen
 - "ADD" an "Action"
   - select "Notification", "OK"
   - click "Notification" to edit the message(Msg), enter something like "Ny first automation"
 - wait until the time triggers the notification (note that depanding on your phone, it can be a few minutes late)
4) Experiment with setting up a more useful automation.
- The documentation page gives a few examples, and you can search for "automation" screenshots on the [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/AndroidAPSUsers) group. Since most people eat the same thing for breakfast at the same time every morning before school/work, a fairly common use-case can be to set a "before-breakfast-target" to set a slightly lower temporary target 30 minutes before having breakfast. In such case, your condition is likely to include "recurring time" which consists of selecting specific days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) and a specific time (06:30 am). The action will consists of  "Start temp target" with a target value and a 30 minutes duration. 


## Objective 11: Enabling additional features for daytime use, such as Dynamic Senstivity plugin (DynISF).
- Ensure that SMB is functioning properly
- Read the documentation concerning Dynamic ISF [here](../Usage/DynamicISF.md)
- Search the Facbook and [Discord](https://discord.gg/4fQUWHZ4Mw) groups for discussions around Dynamic ISF and read about other users experiences and recommendations. 
- Enable the **DynamicISF plugin** and identify the appropriate calibration for your body's uniqueness. It is advisable to begin with a value lower than 100% for safety reasons.


(Objectives-go-back-in-objectives)=
## Go back in objectives

If you want to go back in **objectives** progress for whatever reason you can do so by clicking at "clear finished".

![Go back in objectives](../images/Objective_ClearFinished.png)

## Objectives in Android APS before version 3.0

One objective was removed when **AAPS** version 3.0 was released.  Users of Android APS version 2.8.2.1 who are on older Android software (_i.e._ earlier than version 9) will be using an older set of Objectives which can be found [here](../Usage/Objectives_old.md).