A First Hand Comparison: Minimed Paradigm vs. FreeStyle Navigator
I'm a relatively new user to this forum but have been reading the posts for some time now. I've been a pump user for more years than I can remember and jumped on the CGMS wagon when it first came out as a separate Guardian system.
Let me first discuss the Minimed Paradigm CGMS system a bit. When news first hit that Minimed had released a CGMS system in limited markets, I just simply had to jump on it for my own peace of mind. I live in the northeast and flew down to Houston to purchase (out of pocket) the Guardian system, which, at the time, was separated from the Minimed pump.
To be rather blunt, the Minimed CGMS hasn't changed much since back then. The technology is essentially the same and the sensors (oh, the sensors) are just as troublesome. This post is not meant to look at every single component nor is it meant to be an instruction manual, so I will skip the small details.
The Minimed sensors contain a very long and thick needle (I cannot stress this enough). I am a rather athletic male and have very little fat anywhere on my body. The sensors are inserted through an insertion device, which, quite literally, springs the aforementioned long and thick needle right into your stomach. With my physique, the majority of insertions resulted in extreme pain and quite severe site bleeding (my pants sometimes got blood stains from the dripping blood). I also quickly found that when there was excessive site bleeding, the sensors were worthless - they would not get a good signal. This was especially disheartening, not only for the physical pain, but the pain this process was on my wallet. My insurance considered CGMS systems experimental and did not cover the cost, with each sensor resulting in a $35 out of pocket expense.
Assuming a successful sensor insertion, I waited out the calibration period and entered my BG reading. In a nutshell, I have had an awful experience with the Minimed CGMS' ability to accurately display BG readings. It was a false sense of security knowing that I had a CGMS sensor on me but which did not reflect accurate results. For example, it would not be uncommon to be in the 200+ range, bolus, approach hypoglycemia about an hour later (~90-100) and have the CGMS still reflect the 200+ range. Worse yet, the results gained some accuracy around the third day of use, which is also the sensor's expiration date (72 hours). Often times, the sensor would not have a good signal or would lose it after a day or two of use. This resulted in false low alarms, with the CGMS system advising me that I was low when I was perhaps 50+ units higher.
The nice feature about the Minimed CGMS system is that it is housed within the Paradigm pump and does not require carrying two separate devices. However, this feature was not strong enough to hold me as a customer once I found the FreeStyle Navigator.
I ordered the FreeStyle Navigator through one of the authorized resellers. The ordering process was long and drawn out because of the multiple hoops that the patient is required to jump through. My reseller, in particular, was horrible (and still is). After hours of phone conversations and numerous medical documents, my order went through and my insurance billed. I received the device and opted not to partake in the formal training given my long history with the systems and my technical knowledge.
Setup was a breeze. After configuring the device with the necessary options, I took out one of the sensors. The sensor and its support bracket are attached to the insertion device. To insert, you simply peel off the tape backing, apply it to the designated area, and press a button. I simply cannot compare the insertion discomfort between the FreeStyle Navigator and the Minimed CGMS system because, quite simply, the FreeStyle Navigator does not have any discomfort! Most times I barely feel anything, other times it may feel like the prick of a lancet device. I have not ever had any pain or site bleeding.
The calibration period with the FreeStyle Navigator is quite longer (10 hours), but the sensor itself lasts longer (5 days). Once calibrated, however, I was absolutely amazed as to how accurate the device is. I am not getting into the technical specifications between the two devices (ie. the data refresh rate, frequency of calibration, etc.), but in all of these categories the FreeStyle Navigator wins hands down. The pattern trends are accurate and the displayed BG level is usually no more than 10-15 points off from a fingerstick reading (sometimes it's as close as 3-5 points off!). I have had a few times when the device was not properly calibrated and the readings were consistently approximately 30 points higher than my fingerstick, but this was quickly solved by manually requesting a BG calibration. The sensor really does last the full 5 days and the results are just as accurate on day 5 as they are on day 1.
Now the bad. I had a few sensors that didn't work due to errors, but a brief call to technical support resulted in a new sensor being shipped to me within 2 days. The sensor's adhesive is not as strong as I'd like and, even worse, leaves my skin extremely irritated. By day 2 or 3, my skin is itching, red, and bumpy. I recently started to use a prep pad which creates a thin film layer over the skin. This greatly reduces the irritation but it does not completely solve the problem. The FreeStyle Navigator designers can really improve on this area. Also, the Navigator requires an additional, albeit small, device to carry around. This will be solved with the future integration between the FreeStyle Navigator and the Omnipod.
In summary, below is a list of pros and cons of each system:
Minimed CGMS
Pros: Pump integration; small transmitter
Cons: Highly inaccurate results; extremely painful insertion; 3 day sensor life; 5 minute data refresh rate
FreeStyle Navigator
Pros: Highly accurate results; painless insertion; 1 minute data refresh; 5 day sensor life
Cons: No pump integration; larger transmitter; extreme skin irritation
Having said all of this, I am EXTREMELY happy with my selection of the FreeStyle Navigator. It has really given me piece of mind and valuable information which I use to manage treatment. My only regret is not having found the Navigator sooner!
If you have any questions about either system, please post a reply or PM me and I will get back to you with an answer!
Let me first discuss the Minimed Paradigm CGMS system a bit. When news first hit that Minimed had released a CGMS system in limited markets, I just simply had to jump on it for my own peace of mind. I live in the northeast and flew down to Houston to purchase (out of pocket) the Guardian system, which, at the time, was separated from the Minimed pump.
To be rather blunt, the Minimed CGMS hasn't changed much since back then. The technology is essentially the same and the sensors (oh, the sensors) are just as troublesome. This post is not meant to look at every single component nor is it meant to be an instruction manual, so I will skip the small details.
The Minimed sensors contain a very long and thick needle (I cannot stress this enough). I am a rather athletic male and have very little fat anywhere on my body. The sensors are inserted through an insertion device, which, quite literally, springs the aforementioned long and thick needle right into your stomach. With my physique, the majority of insertions resulted in extreme pain and quite severe site bleeding (my pants sometimes got blood stains from the dripping blood). I also quickly found that when there was excessive site bleeding, the sensors were worthless - they would not get a good signal. This was especially disheartening, not only for the physical pain, but the pain this process was on my wallet. My insurance considered CGMS systems experimental and did not cover the cost, with each sensor resulting in a $35 out of pocket expense.
Assuming a successful sensor insertion, I waited out the calibration period and entered my BG reading. In a nutshell, I have had an awful experience with the Minimed CGMS' ability to accurately display BG readings. It was a false sense of security knowing that I had a CGMS sensor on me but which did not reflect accurate results. For example, it would not be uncommon to be in the 200+ range, bolus, approach hypoglycemia about an hour later (~90-100) and have the CGMS still reflect the 200+ range. Worse yet, the results gained some accuracy around the third day of use, which is also the sensor's expiration date (72 hours). Often times, the sensor would not have a good signal or would lose it after a day or two of use. This resulted in false low alarms, with the CGMS system advising me that I was low when I was perhaps 50+ units higher.
The nice feature about the Minimed CGMS system is that it is housed within the Paradigm pump and does not require carrying two separate devices. However, this feature was not strong enough to hold me as a customer once I found the FreeStyle Navigator.
I ordered the FreeStyle Navigator through one of the authorized resellers. The ordering process was long and drawn out because of the multiple hoops that the patient is required to jump through. My reseller, in particular, was horrible (and still is). After hours of phone conversations and numerous medical documents, my order went through and my insurance billed. I received the device and opted not to partake in the formal training given my long history with the systems and my technical knowledge.
Setup was a breeze. After configuring the device with the necessary options, I took out one of the sensors. The sensor and its support bracket are attached to the insertion device. To insert, you simply peel off the tape backing, apply it to the designated area, and press a button. I simply cannot compare the insertion discomfort between the FreeStyle Navigator and the Minimed CGMS system because, quite simply, the FreeStyle Navigator does not have any discomfort! Most times I barely feel anything, other times it may feel like the prick of a lancet device. I have not ever had any pain or site bleeding.
The calibration period with the FreeStyle Navigator is quite longer (10 hours), but the sensor itself lasts longer (5 days). Once calibrated, however, I was absolutely amazed as to how accurate the device is. I am not getting into the technical specifications between the two devices (ie. the data refresh rate, frequency of calibration, etc.), but in all of these categories the FreeStyle Navigator wins hands down. The pattern trends are accurate and the displayed BG level is usually no more than 10-15 points off from a fingerstick reading (sometimes it's as close as 3-5 points off!). I have had a few times when the device was not properly calibrated and the readings were consistently approximately 30 points higher than my fingerstick, but this was quickly solved by manually requesting a BG calibration. The sensor really does last the full 5 days and the results are just as accurate on day 5 as they are on day 1.
Now the bad. I had a few sensors that didn't work due to errors, but a brief call to technical support resulted in a new sensor being shipped to me within 2 days. The sensor's adhesive is not as strong as I'd like and, even worse, leaves my skin extremely irritated. By day 2 or 3, my skin is itching, red, and bumpy. I recently started to use a prep pad which creates a thin film layer over the skin. This greatly reduces the irritation but it does not completely solve the problem. The FreeStyle Navigator designers can really improve on this area. Also, the Navigator requires an additional, albeit small, device to carry around. This will be solved with the future integration between the FreeStyle Navigator and the Omnipod.
In summary, below is a list of pros and cons of each system:
Minimed CGMS
Pros: Pump integration; small transmitter
Cons: Highly inaccurate results; extremely painful insertion; 3 day sensor life; 5 minute data refresh rate
FreeStyle Navigator
Pros: Highly accurate results; painless insertion; 1 minute data refresh; 5 day sensor life
Cons: No pump integration; larger transmitter; extreme skin irritation
Having said all of this, I am EXTREMELY happy with my selection of the FreeStyle Navigator. It has really given me piece of mind and valuable information which I use to manage treatment. My only regret is not having found the Navigator sooner!
If you have any questions about either system, please post a reply or PM me and I will get back to you with an answer!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Marc on -
I am totally new to this concept of CGM. I'm currently looking at pumps and thought - heck, why not get a CGM to go along with it? My BG is not in control, so the thought of a CGM to help me see what's happening and pinpoint when to give additional insulin seems to make sense to me. I've been looking into the Minimed pump (which has the option to add on its CGM) and the Ping (which works with Dexcom). But, the first CGM I ran across was Navigator (which work with the Pod). So many choice and things to consider!
So, I appreciate each of your posts, as they have all given me a lot of information (and raised more questions). Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like the Minimed pump will only work with their CGM (Guardian), right? Or is it only that using another CGM will not communicate with the pump?
Animas and Dexcom work together, but can you use the Animas with the Navigator? Since the Animas and Dexcom don't communicate with each other, you should be able to use any CGM, right?
The same would hold true for the Pod and Navigator - since they don't communicate with each other, right? You could use the Pod with Dexcom, right?
I recently had an iPro (through Minimed) for a few days to capture info for my endo. I was told that it was actually the same size and comfort level of the Guardian. The only difference being that the data wasn't sent to a pump - instead it was kept in the receiver to be downloaded. It was a bit of jolt when it was inserted. And, there was some bleeding. I found it to be a little uncomfortable and was never able to forget that it was there. But, it wasn't horrendous. I will say that it's been out for the past day, and the insertion site is still sore and sensitive.
Is that common to all CGMs?
I was a little concerned also that the entire unit was tapped down using an extra layer of surgical tape. I'm wondering if that has to be done continuously with the Guardian (or any other CGM). Perhaps it was done so I wouldn't have to take the data receiver off to shower? Is that also common to other CGMs - having to take off the sensor from the insertion portion to shower? Or does it stay on?
I want to thank all of you for the discussion. It's great that I can hear so much "real information" (not that of company advertisement) about all of these products. Advertisements always sound SO great. But to hear about realities of the products from people who are, or who have, used them makes me a better consumer.
Before I forget, the 10 hour waiting period for the Navigator - does that mean that you have two sensors in during that time? One that's actually running and that you're entering BG reading into and another that's just in limbo? Has anyone heard anything about the Solo (pump and CGM)? How does that compare with the rest?
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Permalink Reply by June English on
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I wear the MM Paradigm 522 with CGM. Regarding what I have just read, I must point out a few things. (1) I have heard that the Navigator is extremely accurate. I have also heard (as the poster mentioned) that it is extremely irritating to the skin. In defense of the MM, my trainer told me to always do a restart on Day 4, which allows me to wear MM sensors for 6 days. I also have very little body fat. Going against MM's "rules" I have been manually inserting MM sensors in the upper buttocks for almost 2 years. I do a manual insertion and, indeed, the needle is long, but I have experienced no pain! I did wear the OmniPod for 1 solid year, before getting the MM pump. The "marriage" of the OmniPod and the Navigator scares me. Here's why: Folks with low body fat (i.e. body fat 'real estate' issues) will be wearing the Navigator on their arms. Since the Pod is so large, and since traditionally people have been instructed to wear their Pods on their arms, there will be precious little area onto which to paste their Pods. If you re-use sites too many times, you end up with absorption problems. Furthermore, for anyone with sensitive skin (like yours truly) - I used to develop welts from the Pod adhesive - just think of the double whammy of a large Pod adhesive welt plus a large Navigator adhesive welt. UGH! I agree that the Navigator sounds like a dream, but I sure wish they'd fix the adhesive issue AND integrate with a traditional pump. I know I can't speak for everyone. Folks with loads of body fat (not your Typical Type I's) and non-sensitive skin may do well with the new system, integrating OmniPod and Navigator.
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Permalink Reply by BrendaK on -
I am brand new to this forum but not new to diabetes. My son uses the Navigator and Cozmo pump. I just want to clarify that you can download the Navigator and the Cozmo pump into the same computer software called the CoPilot. The CoPilot will integrate both the CGMS and pump data all together, it's wonderful. That's doesn't help people not on a Cozmo, but I did want to clarify that there is software out there for the Navigator and pump.
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