I’m very fortunate to have secured funding for a CGM system, with my watersports involvement effectively choosing the Dexcom for me.
Funding for CGM in the UK is practically non-existent and most patients have to self-fund, as is the case with me. For that reason, before I spend £1,300 GBP ($2,090) I really need to know if the gen 4 system is likely to make an appearance any time soon. Given that I can only justify this out of pocket expense based on health benefits, I’d be a fool to spend the money if a shiny new version with even greater accuracy/faster startup/improved low BG sensitivity, is just round the corner.
While I’m aware the Animas Vibe - including gen 4 sensor - has recently been approved for European distribution, I can find no reference to availability of a standalone gen 4 system. Will the new sensor be compatible with the existing transmitter and receiver, or will it require entirely new hardware? If so, how generous have Dexcom been historically with upgrade paths?
I don’t want to fall into the Apple style "I’ll wait as they’re probably releasing the next one soon’ trap, as that just means you’re waiting forever. However, when we’re talking this much money I think an element of caution is prudent.
Any latest news, tips or hints you can offer would be hugely welcome!
I appreciate your dilemma, but I will suggest it is a moot point. The Dexcom CGM is the best system available today, even if there is a slight improvement in the near future, does not diminish the value you will gain from ANY CGM. If you are a pump user, than you have to have a CGM. My analogy that may not mean as much to everyone, but as a sports enthusiast you should understand. Here goes -
Imagine you are wind surfing and were only allowed to SEE where you are once every 4 - 6 hours (with a standard glucometer being your eyes). Once you have a highly accurate CGM system, you will be able to see each wave as its approaching and you will be able to respond to it accurately. It is truly liberating to use, you will no longer have doubts about your BG levels and will be able to take far greater control over your life!
If Dexcom does a MAJOR upgrade, it may have a few new features, but the accuracy can not be improved upon. It is a really accurate device, and your life will be vastly improved regardless of which model you use - this is not like an iPhone, its about the quality of your life!
HOPEFULLY Dexcom will add a smaller reciever to their list of “improvements” I can live with the system as is but a smaller reciever would be ohhhhh so nice…
Trust me when I say, I was not interested in ANYTHING attached to my body - it was too invasive to my ‘lifestyle’ … I soon discovered that both the pump AND THE CGM have liberated e, given me more control, more confidence, more flexibility, and much more personal control over my health and well being. The sensor size becomes irrelevant…
Another point is the warranty life of 1 year is much shorter than a pump. The transmitter probably won’t last longer than 18 months with its non-replaceable battery and when that time comes, you can choose to get the Gen4 assuming it has launched in the UK by then.
Thanks for the input folks. Seems odd that the gen 4 sensor launches here in the UK within three weeks as part of the new Animas system, and yet, no standalone option is on the horizon. Maybe Dexcom figured they’d get a faster (and therefore cheaper) approval if they let J&J foot the bill for sensor and transmitter submission, then pushed the standalone system through on the basis of two components already having the thumbs up. Who knows, eh?
Hey Pete! Welcome to the club, I’m also out-of-my-own pocket payer for dexcom. Expensive stuff here in Europe, costs way more than in US.
Regarding your question about standalone gen 4 system. It is in the works in the US, launchdate somewhere in 2012. No news about eurolaunch yet. So at this moment I would go with the gen3 system and upgrade to gen4 later (2012/2013).
Or go with Animas Vibe…
Recently discovered that there’s unlikely to be any upgrade path in the UK. That means the customer will have to pay the full cost for the new system, whenever it launches. Also been told that the UK distributor pays around the same price for the system as the end user (patient) does in the US, so with their (slim) margin on top that explains the extortionate pricing we Europeans are faced with. Seems to suggest that Dexcom don’t give a damn about anywhere other than their home market.
On that basis, I’m reluctant to give them my money until they either show some concession towards customer satisfaction in non-US markets or the prices come down significantly. Difficult, as although I want the technology I’m really not prepared to be screwed by the hardware manufacturer.
Interesting info. It will be interesting to see how the new G4 sensors will be priced, as I believe Animas can use their (larger) network to distribute them.
Another thing is thing upgrade path. These med-gadget manufacturers should copy this practise from apple with pride. In dexcoms case they could (I dont see any technical barries why not) release software update for current Dexcom 7 receiver to make it G4 compatible. And also release new G4 receiver with color screens, adjustable alerts etc other goodies.
