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Permalink Reply by 1Run on July 28, 2012 at 3:06pm

Dexcom is amazing!

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Permalink Reply by Sue59 on July 28, 2012 at 3:54pm

Dexcom rocks! The company tells you to keep it on for 7 days, but when it stops, just hit start again, and it's good to go for another 7 days (at least that has been my experience, YMMV). I love my Dex!

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Permalink Reply by barbraann on July 28, 2012 at 4:21pm

I've only experience the Dex so I can't compare. I think everyone is different. I know someone who is right on all the time. My readings tend to be off most of the time. The second week on it they seem to be more accurate. I don't really have enough confidence to trust it enough to stop testing so my testing hasn't dropped. I sometimes think maybe it's not worth it if I'm still testing so much (8+ day)
I really like it for the night. I sleep much better knowing I will get alerted if it drops and my husband is more relaxed when he travels. It has been very helpful in alerting lows since I can no longer sense when I'm going low.

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Permalink Reply by MegaMinxX on July 28, 2012 at 6:38pm

I used MM CGMS for 3+ years, and switched to Dexcom 1 1/2 years ago. I definitely prefer Dexcom, and find the trends and readings more accurate. For some it is a disadvantage to have a pump and CGMS as different devices, but for me it is an advantage. Since Dexcom CGMS is not 'attached', I look at it more frequently, and take corrective action sooner. When using MM CGMS, I basically just reacted to the alarms, which were often too late, or inaccurate.

You can probably get a trial with Dexcom, either from your doctor or the Dexcom rep. I was able to trial a Dexcom, while still using MM CGMS. You can contact Dexcom to locate a local rep. I did that before my endo appt, so by the time I had the appointment, I knew what I wanted.

I test more with CGMS, and learned how different foods and activity/exercise affected my BG. Without CGMS, my target ranges were higher, so I would have a 'safety' net to prevent lows. Now my targets and average BG are lower, so the extra BG tests are well worth it. When Dexcom shows I am out of my range, or heading that way, I test to confirm and react accordingly.

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Permalink Reply by Melitta on July 28, 2012 at 8:47pm

Several years ago, I tried the Medtronic (Minimed) Guardian. It was so inaccurate, hard to calibrate, and just not useful. With trepidation, I started using the Dexcom 7 just over a year ago. Love it! My Dex is so accurate, and has really made a positive difference in my diabetes control, in my comfort level (catching lows especially overnight), and in life improvement. Get a Dexcom for certain!

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Permalink Reply by MyBustedPancreas on July 30, 2012 at 7:43am

I have tried both the Dexcom and the Minimed CGM. The Dexcom was definitely more accurate, BUT having to carry around the receiver was just too much for me. The accuracy of both (for me) was an issue, though. While the Dexcom was more accurate, it still wasn't accurate enough to detect highs and lows. It would frequently tell me I was high or low when I actually wasn't. The Dexcom sensor was definitely easier to insert as well.

Bottom line, a CGM for me just didn't prove worth it, although I am considering going back to the Minimed CGM that is integrated with my pump once they come up with the new sensor. I may not use it 24/7, but I might opt to slap one on periodically to just get an idea of what's going on.

For me, having an all-in-one device is sort of a requirement. I just cannot carry anything else around with me. I am very active (lots of running and biking) and having a separate CGM receiver is really annoying because it adds to my bulk.

In addition, the issue of scar tissue has definitely become a concern for me. Pumping for me is a necessity and I want to make sure I'm preserving my sites for as long as possible. I really began to worry about scar tissue build-up with the CGM.

Finally, consider if the added value is really there for you. With a CGM, I found that I got LAZY...I would bolus without testing (instead just glancing at my CGM). I found that I got a little too lax with a CGM. The one thing about finger-sticks is that they keep me on a more regimented schedule and more on top of my care. Not sure why exactly that is, but it's what I've found.

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Permalink Reply by adam nash on July 30, 2012 at 9:06am

Yeah I kind of agree. I find after 2 years with dex I am like dependent on it and check it constantly. But it does help me feel at ease when I can just look at dex to get an idea of what's happening. I wish the sensors weren't so expensive, 275 for a month supply??? Really??? That's a car payment. Yes I know you can restart them but still a little pricy.

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Permalink Reply by Deb on July 30, 2012 at 9:41am

Thanks everyone!! I remember that calibrating the minimed was difficult and a pain. I have heard great things about the dex from many people. I am thinking that I will end up getting the dex. I already have to carry tons of things with me everywhere I go for my diabetes and I have celiac, so adding one more device won't be a huge deal.

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Permalink Reply by MyBustedPancreas on July 30, 2012 at 10:31am

Sometimes I feel like the one benefit of having T1D is not feeling guilty about buying new bags and purses. We can write them off as a medical expensive, right?? :-)

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Permalink Reply by Deb on July 30, 2012 at 11:26am

Haha..you are right..that definitely is a benefit..and it allows us to have our bags with us when other people can't..and it is definitely a great excuse to go out and buy new bags..I need big bags..my purses always feel like they weigh 50 pounds..its crazy!

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Permalink Reply by Melitta on July 30, 2012 at 10:55am

Another thing I forgot to mention, Gary Scheiner (author of "Think Like a Pancreas") wears a Medtronic/Minimed pump but uses the Dexcom CGM. To me, that speaks volumes. I wear the Animas Ping and have the Dexcom CGM, and I hope the FDA soon approves the Animas Vibe, which is a combo pump/Dex CGM, and is available in Europe. I am okay with wearing two devices, but I will be happy to go back to one when the Animas Vibe is available.

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Permalink Reply by Deb on July 30, 2012 at 11:29am

that does speak volumes..I am seriously considering the dex and I am excited to start up the cgm again..I am a nursing student and it is very difficult dealing with my eating/blood sugars at clinical. I think the cgm will make it a lot easier and I will feel a lot more comfortable when I am treating my patients. I get afraid of dropping low and not knowing it since I could easily make a mistake while being low.

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