I recently agreed to donate my "data" to the JDRF artificial pancreas study at UVA in Charlottesville, Virginia. I'm excited! I'll be heading down to Charlottesville in a couple of weeks to get started on the Dexcom 7. I'll wear it for one week to get used to it, and then get hooked up to an Omnipod. After that, the researchers at UVA will download my data from the Omnipod and the Dexcom each week. They won't be making any adjustments or suggesting any changes-- that's still my endo's job-- instead, they're just after the data. Apparently they will ask questions about how I feel about my bg control, why I do what I do in an effort to control my bg, and similar questions. I'll be making several trips to Charlottesville, but I don't think they require that I show up once a week so that they can download the data-- I think they can do it remotely. Anyway, I really hope it helps with the artificial pancreas project!

There are a few perks to the study, too-- you get to keep the Dex and the Omnipod after the study ends, and they give you test strips to take care of the 4 fingersticks that they require each day to calibrate the Dex. They also pay $50 per trip to Charlottesville (if I remember correctly), so that covers the cost of gas.

I'm a bit nervous about trying the Dexcom, just because I had such a bad experience with the Minimed CGM a few years ago. I paid out of pocket for it (that was back before insurance companies were covering them), and was so upset because it was rarely accurate, and the adhesive that stuck the sensor to my skin was horrendously itchy and uncomfortable. I hope I don't have the same experience with the Dexcom. Does anyone happen to know if the Dexcom has the same type of adhesive?

Also, I've worn a Minimed pump since 1992, so trying the Omnipod will be a big change for me, too! I have heard a lot of positive things about the Omnipod, though, and I'm looking forward to trying it. I have a beach trip with friends scheduled for late September, and I will be wearing it then. Anyone know if it's easy to hide in a swimsuit?

I think the APP is still accepting volunteers for the study, so if you're interested, let me know and I'll put you in touch with the folks out there who can sign you up. I think it sounds like a great deal if you're in a rough financial situation and would like to get the free stuff!