My replacement transmitter is scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning, according to an email I received this morning. I’ve been searching for other’s reactions to the new hardware but haven’t seen any reports from anyone who has used it. Fingers crossed here. I’ll let you know how it goes.
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Same here (I’ve only received a 3-5 weeks notice, but that time should be here soon). I definitely hope that it helps. The last time I changed my sensor, after about 3 days I started receiving a lot of “Sensor Updating” messages. Ironically, the numbers from the sensor (when it wasn’t updating, of course) actually matched even better than usual. Very strange, hopefully the new transmitter will let me have the good numbers without the bad messages.
The new transmitter arrived this morning along with a replacement pump, which I didn’t expect. I’ll give it a try when I have time to set it all up.
I’ve had so many problems lately that when I called Medtronic on Sunday, I told them I was ready to give up on the pump and try something else. That seemed to get their attention. In less than 48 hours, I have the transmitter I’d been wanting and a new pump.
I truly hope it’ll be an improvement. I was happy with the 670g for the first six months I used it, but sensor issues have ruined it for me since last summer.
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Wow! That is definitely an interesting story. Even though I would find it hard to believe that saying you were “ready to give up on the pump” would make them send you a new pump, it is very interesting that you received not only your transmitter but a whole new pump almost immediately. The 670G is the one you had before, right (not the 630G or some other version)? I didn’t think it sounded like the new transmitter required a different pump, but I guess if the protocol or software was that different, who knows? I guess we’ll find out when we all get our upgrades…
That’s right–I use a 670g and received a replacement today that’s also a 670g. Fingers crossed.
My Thoughts about the sensor becoming unstable during exercise is that the sensor is moving and must be picking up erratic SG readings from that plus the additional stress on your body. Make sure your sensor is secured good and I would rely on your instinct for lows and check if in question with your meter for highs and lows and just give it time after exercise
I currently have a new transmitter which is meant to stop those BG loops. Check your sensor status if you have version 1.0 call the help line and request the new 2.2 transmitter. Bluetooth is set to start in the near future which will allow Medtronics to update your pumps software
Others discussed some ideas or knowledge. One thing I didn’t see is this. If you calibrate when the body’s real glucose level is rapidly changing, it is almost impossible for the CGM to calibrate, so it will “chase” the glucose level around till it finally gives up and asks for recalibration. I’ve had that happen in as little as about 40 minutes.
I had the Dexcom system for several years. I never had these issues with exercise with the Dexcom G4 and G5 transmitter and sensors. Never. Not once.
If what you are saying is true, then the G3 sensors are useless for people who exercise. And relying on my instinct for high and low makes the whole system worthless.
I have version 2.1 of the transmitter. I requested the updated transmitter several weeks ago. I have not heard a peep from Medtronic. I really don’t care anymore. The system is unusable to me. If I can’t exercise safely with a CGMS then it serves no purpose.
Khurt, All day yesterday I kept getting alerts on low but actually my BG when tested was in the upper 200+ I shut the sensor off as well as auto mode and went to bed. In the morning I turned everything back on and when I tested my BG I was closer but not right on I calibrated and went along my way. I ate breakfast and lunch and got another low SG alert so I checked it and again it was off by allot. The day seemed that when my sensor was goin farther and farther apart even with doing Calibration until I was out of range and got the cannot calibrate notice. I have the 2.2 transmitter so there is still an issue with there sensors. Someday some company will get it right and put all the others out of Business
I finally got the updated sensors after I spoke to my Medtronic rep again. However, after too many issues with accuracy, she and my endocrinologist recommended disabling auto-mode. That was three months ago. I can mostly sleep through the night. I still get GCMS BG warnings that are inaccurate when compared to the glucose meter.
I still have to find a solution to seeing why/what a pump is while driving. It’s not safe to unclip my pump, pull out tubing etc to look while driving.
Yes, some of the same info is what my CDE shared with me too at my recent visit. I actually just got an updated transmitter from Medtronic that is supposed to fix the BG request loops within minutes of entering a value.
I received a replacement transmitter back in February due to my conversations with a rep who was forthcoming on the issues.
I have the same issues with the replacement sensor - too many requests for BG’s. Placed a new sensor in late Saturday afternoon and since then it’s asking for a calibration every six hours continuously. getting annoyed - I
My G3 replacement transmitter is much better trained. After the first six hour calibration, I now only get a few additional 6 hour calibration requests.
Usually the first 18 hours it will ask for calibration at least three times. Following the first day it settles in at every 12 hours, unless there is extreme fluctuations between calibration and sensor reading.
Note: I am a Medtronic ambassador. My opinions are my own. They did not pay me to say nice things about Medtronic devices or the company. OK, they sent me a shirt and a cup but even I am more expensive than that.
I am currently having exactly the same issue. Initially when I calibrate the pump says I wont need to calibrate for 12 hours, but then consistently at about the 2-3 hour mark it changes its mind and says I have to calibrate after 6 hours. This is happening every single time I calibrate. I have changed sensors, but the issue persists. I am using a brand new pump (although its a 640G)and new transmitter (Guardian 3). I never had this problem with my old pump (also a 640G) or transmitter (Guardian 2). It is really very frustrating, especially because it means I am unable to get more than 6 hours sleep of a night.
Yes, the Medtronic CGM doesn’t seem to want us to get a full nights sleep! I’ve been struggling with less that optimum sleep for some time now due to my pump waking me up saying “BG Required” because I’ve been running a steady 90 mg/dl for a few hours and not up near the 120 that the “Algorithm” wants. Very frustrating. Medtronic needs to fix this. Poor sleep makes for more stress and we all know what stress does to blood sugar control!
So short stats, pump user for 20ish years. Have primarily used MiniMed, but had a time with Animas. I have been a data nerd (15 to 20 manual BG readings per day). and excessive record keeper. I have a background in statistical analysis. My control has been very good to excellent over time.
My take on the 670G system at this point mirrors some of the comments in this thread, though my conclusion may be somewhat unorthodox , but follow me for a moment.
The sensor/transmitter, pump combination is the first generation of one companies attempt at a hybrid “closed loop” system.
The pump part of this system is fairly mature at this point, the stepping motors have gotten better able to deliver smaller and smaller amounts of insulin. The upgrades in pump technology has certainly allowed diabetics an opportunity at better control.
Medtronic has always offered terrific support, though now it seems they ARE following a script for the calls.
I have had my run ins with short sensor life (one lasted an entire thirty hours!), and multiple calls to the help line, at all hours of the day. I have had no trouble getting sensor replacements for my short lived sensors, using the initial online reporting that is allowed and followup calls.
My feeling about the entire system is that all of us using this system specifically the CGM are, that unwillingly, the current users, are still part of a beta test group.
I would like to tell Medtronic that I have incurred significant expenses to use their system, and if we are part of their product development they should minimize our costs. The original FDA approvals were certainly done in a clinical environment with little if no costs to the participants
My data, which used to be my own, is now visible to them, without using my password. I am sure that I “allowed” their access by signing in initially.
Medtronic has recently announced a collaboration/partnership with Dexcom, among others. This seems to be a tacit acknowledgement that there are better CGM platforms and that the next generation will abandon their own for a better one. When and if that happens, sign me up, though I cant afford another sizable financial investment at this point.
I understand that we are all on the cusp of significantly better control. I was seduced by the idea that I might not have to put so much effort into my care, even if for a short period of time
When this system works well, it is effortless, but given all of the issues reported here, if you are able, sit tight, for the next generation.
I changed my sensor Monday night. I got three six hour calibration requests in a row before getting on the 12 hour cycle. I wonder if their is a reason the 6 hour calibration requests follow a sensor change.
For some reason I am usually high after the two hour warmup (I believe I am out of automode during the warmup which causes me to go high) and perhaps the algorithm doesn’t like calibrations when you start out high.