Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MegaMinxX on December 16, 2012 at 11:50am

Black Llama -

Your conclusions are based on your recent experience using CGMS (Dexcom). There are many differences with MM CGMS, which Spock has used for several years.

With MM CGMS, there is much to complain about, and the sensors are less predictable/accurate compared to my experience with Dexcom.

I have used both, and the difference is night and day for me. I would not go back to MM CGMS unless it was the only one available. So I can relate to the frustrations Spock is having with MM CGMS.

It takes far less effort for me to get accurate readings from Dexcom, compared to MM CGMS, and very little to do with the foods that I ate and accurate dosing.

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Permalink Reply by Laddie on December 16, 2012 at 12:04pm

I don't think that I would go back to the current MM CGM even if it were the only one available. I find Dexcom to be easier to insert, less painful, more accurate and so on. I used a Dexcom while still on my MM pump. I missed the pump/CGM integration but the accuracy of the DEX was worth it. I'm finding the Dexcom G4 to be substantially more accurate than the 7+, so the gap between Medtronic and Dexcom has grown IMO.

I know that the future MM Enlite sensors will be better than the current MM sensors, but don't know how they'll compare to Dexcom.

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Permalink Reply by David G. on December 16, 2012 at 8:49am

Hi, all. I've had a Medtronic CGM for about 3 years. Leaves some to be desired.
Get lost sensors often for whatever reason. Some are end of sensor life, some seem to be when the transmitter battery seems to die after about 7-8 days despite a new battery in the charger. (Think it's just a way for the company to get more money by selling more sensors)
Quit using the company dressings as they were not good. Lost the transmitter and sensor within the first month of when I got the thing because the double dressing wouldn't hold.
Hypoglycemic unaware diabetic so rather need one for safety.
Several of the needles are a challenge to get out as they almost seem to be stuck in the sensor and often have to strain to get it out.

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Permalink Reply by christy on December 16, 2012 at 11:10am

I hate the CGM. For me and of course all of us vary, but I find it really useless, but if my blood glucose levels were wildly fluctuation OR I was having a lot of severe lows that required assistance, I would probably reconsider. Luckily the lows I have are self manageable, and usually always the result of something I have done, and my glucose levels are pretty stable now. For me frequent testing does just fine. Good luck, and hope you have a better experience restarting your CGM.

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Permalink Reply by Spock on December 16, 2012 at 1:27pm

Lows are why I am returning. I am hypo unaware most of the time, so sleeping can be a bit dangerous sometimes. I have been getting up frequently overnight to test and still had the paramedics in for a visit last Sunday morning.

One question: if you use the Dexcom CGM, can you still use a MM pump?

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Permalink Reply by MegaMinxX on December 16, 2012 at 1:33pm

Absolutely, you can still use MM pump, I do !

But you have to carry 2 'devices', which is a disadvantage for many.

For me, I prefer having the dexcom receiver separate, as with MM CGMS, I had a hard time hearing alarms at night. With dexcom receiver under my pillow, I hear it every time.

And I'll be considering the Animas Vibe (expected release in 2013 for US) for my next pump, to have the flexibility for both a single device and separate, as the Vibe will be integrated with Dexcom G4.

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Permalink Reply by Clare on December 16, 2012 at 1:34pm

absolutely, they just won't "talk" to each other. Lows are the reason I got a CGM to begin with, I am totally hypounaware and could be 30 or 330 and not know. The Dexcom has made my nights so much more peaceful. Not only for me but also for my husband. The marketing info I got the other day states the Dexcom is compatible with the following pump brands : Animas, Omnipod, Roche, Tandem, and Medtronic.
Before the Dexcom I was getting up at least once every night to test and having a really hard time getting back to sleep,now I just pull the receiver out from under my pillow and take a look. In general it is fine and I immediately go back to sleep. I have had very few night time lows since I started on it, and the vibration is certainly enough to wake me up.

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Permalink Reply by christy on December 16, 2012 at 1:34pm

I believe you can I believe I have seen several posts around here with people with Dex CGM but minimed pumps...You just don't get an integrated device but from my understanding nothing is integrated right at the moment with Dex, but Animas is in the process...and I think Omnipod is too.

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Permalink Reply by Laddie on December 16, 2012 at 6:36pm

My Minimed pump went out of warranty a few months ago. I have switched to an Animas pump because of the future Animas/Dexcom combined pump and the $99 upgrade fee to get that pump whenever it is approved by the FDA and released by Animas.

Before this pump switch, I used a Medtronic Revel pump along with the Dexcom CGMS. They are completely separate devices and you have to carry your pump in addition to the Dexcom receiver.

The new Dexcom Gen 4 is really a wonderful system. Not perfect, but incredibly better than the Medtronic CGM. My sensors usually last for two weeks with no irritation or itching. The first day of a sensor might be iffy, but after that the trends are spot-on and I have tons of readings that match my meter within a few points. I used to be woken up a lot by my old Dexcom 7+ system with false lows during the night. In general, if the Gen 4 wakes me up, it's correct that I'm high or low.

So if your Medtronic CGM is out of warranty, you should seriously consider getting a Dexcom. When I made the change, I wrote a 2-3 page letter to my insurance company justifying the switch from MM to Dexcom. I attached photos of the terrible bruises and bleeding that I used to get from the MM sensors. I also attached a BG log showing nocturnal BG readings in the 30's and 40's when I didn't wear a CGM.

So a Dex is not perfect, but it is a lot better than what you have. Please ask questions if we help you.

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Permalink Reply by Spock on December 17, 2012 at 5:14am

WOw! Thanks all.

I looked into the DexCom online and with the links provided and I learned a lot. I am about due for a new pump and it has been almost two years sonce I replaced my transmitter, so a move to a new pump is in my future.

As always, this site helps me learn and discover.

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Permalink Reply by Jethro on December 19, 2012 at 2:08pm

Yeah, CGMs are awesome in theory. I use one but it ticks me off a lot! Sometimes it's accurate sometimes it's way off. And the beeping while I'm sleeping is annoying but it has helped me to make adjustments.
The problem with the technology is that the public thinks we have everything we need to control this disease. But we know better; insulin absorption is always different, CGM readings are unreliable and all of these variables snow-ball and make it a real $%#^ to live with.
I just emailed the Seattle Seahawks asking them to mention T-1 diabetes and the need to support the research for a cure. Do you like sports? If so find the contact tab on your favorite teams website and ask them to help raise awareness.

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