Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mom 2 Kyle on December 15, 2012 at 9:48am

That makes sense & along the lines of what I was thinking too. So, do you enter/calibrate ALL of your test results on day 1 to help sync it?

Permalink Reply by Biomuse on December 17, 2012 at 9:12am

I tend to do so but, if available, entering bg values when level ("straight across" arrow) seems to get the device to accuracy more quickly. Sometimes you just don't have that kind of day though, and I still make sure to enter most if not all of the values on the first day.

Permalink Reply by Helmut on December 15, 2012 at 9:56am

I disagree that "it would still require the receiver's "attention" for the same amount of time".

Compare the 1st day of the 2nd week with the 1st day of the 1st week. My experience without exception is that the 1st day of the 2nd week is much better than the 1st day of the 1st week.

Permalink Reply by Biomuse on December 17, 2012 at 8:25pm

I think this is a good point, and one I hadn't considered. I find the same thing. It may well be that any initial inflammation after insertion decreases accuracy, such that letting the inflammation subside before commencing calibration would improve early accuracy. If so, then early insertion of the replacement sensor would help.

But, the caveats: there may be aspects of Dexcom's calibration/measurement technique that we are unaware of that are an alternate explanation for higher "second Day 1" accuracy. In my experience, some sensors continue to improve in accuracy beyond day 1, implying an additional integration of data by the receiver that spans beyond the calibration period and across multiple days of measurement. In this case, given that the unit has to cope with variations not only across sites but across individual patients/users, it might retain the most recent set of calibration assumptions as the default starting condition for a new sensor. So if that sensor happens to be at exactly the same insertion site (as is true when you restart for week 2), you would expect better accuracy immediately. I for one don't know enough about how the G4 deals with data integration to say whether something like this could also be an expanation.

Permalink Reply by Jake on December 15, 2012 at 3:59pm

If possible often with the original dex 7+ I would insert a sensor before bed, and not start it untill the next morning.. even justgiving it a few hours to settle out before starting the sensor (more than starting the sensor and waiting) seems to help it a bit... Some people it seems the body reacts a bit to the trauma of the sensor insertion.. but as always YDMV

Permalink Reply by Black Llama on December 15, 2012 at 7:18pm

Mine has been pretty spot on so far, day 1 to well, I'm on day 15 right now. I just tested for dinner and it was 2 points off from both of my meters :D

I do however cover it up in the shower. I know it says that it's waterproof, but my first one died in the shower and since I have been gun shy about trying it again. So I usually just put a paper towel covered by some medical tape over it while I enjoy my cleaning time :D

Permalink Reply by Mom 2 Kyle on December 16, 2012 at 8:49am

Well, glad we waited. It took more than 24 hours, but we are within 10-12 points off last night and today. Hoping it will even get better today (like our last one did). My son has been sick and that 24 hours seems like forever. Funny how fast we learned to love (and rely) on it. Can't imagine not having one now. Thanks to everyone for their input. We may try inserting the sensor and waiting two hours before starting it up to see if that helps any (and not start it right after a meal if we can). :)

Permalink Reply by etta amy on December 16, 2012 at 4:28pm

First one I used was way off. The calibration thing didn't help at all. Second sensor was spot on but I only got 8 days before the ??? kicked in.

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