You can't lie no more!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John Smith on October 19, 2009 at 1:15pm

So...you're going to get the MiniMed CGMS? Ask for a trial with the Dexcom 7+ also and compare which gives you more accurate numbers and trends. For me, the MiniMed CGMS was a total waste of time and money.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ron on October 19, 2009 at 10:33pm

Wel, for me it's worth all my time and money.Couldn't ask for more, unless I could get a new pancreas. Since I can't, this Medtronic MM722+CGMS is worth everything to me. It has saved me more than once already. Now I can go to sleep and actualy sleep without worrying something bad is going to happen. That.....is worth it all.
So I guess you are on a dex now john? How's this one working for ya?

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Smith on October 19, 2009 at 10:37pm

The Dexcom 7+ has been extremely accurate for me...maximum error is +/- 10 mg/dL compared to my fingerstick readings. The insertion is painless, no re-charging required for the transmitter and no extra tape required to hold down the CGMS.

I wear mine for an average of 12-14 days and when I remove the CGMS from my skin, you cannot even tell where exactly I inserted the sensor. The MM CGMS has left big red, painful blotches on my skin which are still visible, and irritable, after more than 3 months of last use.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cara Bauer on October 19, 2009 at 1:16pm

I think I'll keep dodging this idea. Good luck!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kristin on October 19, 2009 at 2:30pm

I did this before and it was pretty helpful.

A good test whether the Minimed system works with your body. Measure your blood sugar more often than needed and then you will see how accurate it is after they download it. For me, it was pretty accurate! (I've heard many people say that your own individual body chemistry plays a role in whether each of the CGMS's are accurate).

Also, don't forget to mark for meals. I forgot to do that and it was much harder to analyze the data. Apparently I was supposed to push some button when I ate to tell the monitor that I was eating.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sarah on October 20, 2009 at 4:30pm

Agreed - I wore a MM CGM about 4 years ago and it was HORRIBLE.. my body didn't like the sensor at all, it itched terribly and didn't stay stuck for anything. The Paradigm real-time system held ZERO appeal for me after that. Yes, the information was useful, but not if I would have to stick myself with a NAIL every 3 days.. no way (yes I do realize many people restart them, but still).

My dexcom trial could not have been more different from that experience.. it sealed it for me that I wanted my own :) The sensor/transmitter is very comfortable... I've inserted two myself with no pain at all :)

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jan on October 22, 2009 at 11:06am

This was my niece's experience exactly. She has a high pain tolerance and would not usually complain. But, after the EMLA wore off, there were a number of times she was very sore and soreness did not go away. Big red pimple, after you removed the sensor. And the three-day restart was so inconvenient. Dexcom, you get seven full days before you need to restart. Though I am not finding Dexcom too accurate lately, I am pretty sure it is a sensor or technical problem, because we do have accurate readings as well, sometimes. But if cgms is too painful to wear or insert, most people won't want to wear them. Minimed has promised to reduce the size of the introducer needle; Dexcom has reduced needle size at least once already.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sarah on October 23, 2009 at 8:37am

I prefer Dexcom's insertion process as well, not just the needle size.. being able to tape on the sensor before inserting is definitely a step up from the process with MM.. I think especially for children or anyone needle-phobic, not really being able to see the needle at any point in the process is especially helpful.. those naked MM sensors can be rather intimidating!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Andreina Davila on October 23, 2009 at 2:42pm

Today, for the first time, I helped Manuel inserting the sensor on his arm... I was surprised on how easy it was... and even though the needle is huge, he didn't felt a thing.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Smith on October 23, 2009 at 3:08pm

Was it the Minimed sensor? With that spring-loaded inserter, I also didn't feel any pain when inserting it. But, when you remove it, you would be amazed to see the hole it leaves and the bruises.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mommy and the monkeys on October 25, 2009 at 12:04pm

I don't have bruises from the sensor - I'm using the MM sensor

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by nel peach on October 19, 2009 at 10:01pm

Dear Ahmad , so far I am relatively happy using MM sensor and yes , there is room for improvement , as with any tool related to diabetes. I have not tried the other brand . The first day maybe questionable and so maybe the 10 th ...finger poking
( questionable by 20 percent either way ) still pays off .
For me , if I participate in a half marathon and do NOT have to quit because of a low , I feel like a winner ..ofcourse some may say , that even on shots they can do marathons ...we all have our limits .

▶ Reply to This